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Teeth - preschool yearsDisclaimer: This fact sheet is for educational use only. Please consult your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child. Children’s teeth in the preschool yearsBy two and a half, most children will have 20 primary teeth. Even before this, some children develop decay which is called ECC (early childhood caries). This usually involves the top front teeth and the first molar teeth and is more often than not related to the frequent use of feeding bottles and feeding cups.
 Back to TopHow can I plan a healthy tooth diet?Good eating habits begin with toddlers. Occasional snacks like mid-morning and mid-afternoon are all right, but avoid children carrying food or drink bottles around and eating all the time. Avoid sticky foods that stay on the teeth like dried fruits and cake and biscuits. These foods are best eaten at mealtimes, but try to avoid children having access to sweet foods all the time. Dairy foods can help prevent decay because the proteins put a protective coating on the teeth. Make sure children get dairy foods every day and include these with other foods to help protect teeth.
It is good to remember that teeth need a rest in between eating to let the tooth enamel reharden after acids have been on it. GIVE TEETH A REST.
Back to TopHow often does my child need a dental check?Even though your child might not need treatment, regular visits can help a child develop confidence at the dental clinic. You never know when they might need treatment – after an accident for example, and if they have had regular checks it is much easier for them to cope.
Back to TopCan I check my child’s teeth?It is a good idea to regularly look at the teeth and lift the lips back to check that the teeth are not stained or discoloured. If you notice any discolouration or hole you should get the teeth checked by a dentist or dental therapist.
Back to TopWhat toothpaste should my child use?All children should have their teeth brushed with a fluoride toothpaste at least once a day by parents. Ask a dental therapist or dentist about which toothpaste to use. Some pastes on the market do not have enough fluoride to protect teeth. Children cannot brush properly themselves until they are about 6 years old. If they can’t print letters neatly, then they don’t have the fine skills to clean their teeth.
Back to TopWhat should be done when a child accidentally bumps their teeth?It is important for a dentist to see all teeth injuries, even when the teeth still look all right. The dentist can check that no damage has been done to the nerves or to the developing teeth.
Back to TopDo medicines cause tooth problems?Some medicines contain sugar as a preservative. If your child has to take medicine all the time, tell your dentist who can help with extra prevention if there is any risk. Most current medicines do not cause any tooth damage.
Back to TopWhat can I do if my child is anxious or afraid about going to the dentist?If a child has a problem coping with dental care, ask to go to a dentist or paediatric dentist who has completed extra training in caring for children. They are able to offer other options to help children get good dental care.
Back to TopWhere to go for more information HealthEd website (Ministry of Health)The HealthEd website houses a searchable catalogue of resources about key public health topics. Health professionals and members of the public can download or order one or multiple copies of the following via the HealthEd website:
The Ministry of Health provides information about enrolling your child in NZ's free oral health service and how to look after your child's teeth at their Let's talk teeth website.
Free phone line: 0800 Talk teeth (0800 825 583)
Website: http://www.letstalkteeth.co.nz
NZDA (The New Zealand Dental Association)
The NZDA provides information and advice about infants', toddlers', children's and teens' teeth at their Healthy Smiles website. Their have a section on infants' and toddlers' teeth:
Website: http://www.healthysmiles.org.nz/
Well Child / Tamariki Ora website
The Well Child / Tamariki Ora website offers information about babies, infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers under five years old. The site supports the Well Child / Tamariki Ora programme and schedule of Well Child / Tamariki Ora checks. See their information on teething, toothbrushing, baby bottle caries and good food, healthy teeth. Australian websites
Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney
The website of the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney provides fact sheets on:
Back to TopYour notesEndorsement
This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 23/04/2010
CopyrightFact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation. © The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2012
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