Children's Oral Health

Tips to Get Toddlers Brushing

• Small mouths need small soft toothbrushes 
• Use a smear of full-strength fluoride toothpaste
• Help children under the age of eight to make sure they clean all their teeth
• Spit, but don't rinse after brushing teeth.  Remains of fluoride from the toothpaste stays in the mouth to continue protecting against tooth decay
• Make sure your child can reach the sink.  A small footstool may help
• Good habits start early so start brushing your child's teeth from the very first tooth

To help encourage toddlers and young children to brush their teeth twice a day download a copy of our free Tooth Brushing Chart as seen on the right.  Click to download

Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Drink water and milk
Choose tooth-friendly healthy snacks

Information supplied by the Canterbury Community Primary Health Organisation and the Canterbury District Health Board