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Teeth - primary schoolDisclaimer: 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. Which teeth are present?Most children start school with all their baby teeth. Adult teeth usually start to erupt around six years of age. As the front teeth are being lost, the first permanent adult molars come through behind the baby teeth at the back of the mouth. Towards the end of primary school the baby molar teeth and canine (eye) teeth are replaced by the permanent teeth growing underneath.
 Back to TopWhen can my child see the dental therapist?Children are entitled to receive free dental treatment within the School Dental Service - usually until 12 years of age. This is a basic service covering dental checks and simple dental treatment. If your child has more complicated needs (such as needing to have treatment done while they are asleep) they may be referred to a dentist or specialist paediatric dentist.
Back to TopDoes my child have to see the dental therapist?If you don’t want to enroll your child in the School Dental Service, you can take your child to a dentist. However, treatment with a dentist is only free if:
If you choose to take your child to a dentist or paediatric dentist you will probably need to pay the private fee.
Back to TopHow often should my child see their dental therapist or dentist?Most children are seen about once a year in the School Dental Service. Children with special needs or who have experienced a lot of dental decay in the past may be examined more frequently. Regular visits are very important so that any problems are identified early before they become too serious. Frequent visits will also build your child’s confidence in the dental clinic.
Back to TopWhat should I do if my child’s teeth look crowded?Your dental therapist is trained to check for signs of crowding and other problems with developing teeth. They may suggest that you see a dentist or orthodontist if there is a problem. The cost of orthodontic treatment is not subsidised by the Government.
Back to TopWhat do I do if my child has an accident involving their teeth?If your child has an accident involving the teeth, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible even if you think the teeth look all right. Your dentist can check for unseen damage with x-rays and can provide the best early care. Long-term success of treatment is often dependent on how soon a problem is treated. ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) forms will also be filled in. The cost of any dental treatment will be subsidised by ACC, but you may be required to pay a part-charge.
Back to TopWhat should I remember about my child’s diet?It is important that your child continues to maintain a healthy diet including dairy food. Remember to help your child make good choices when they have money to buy school lunches or treats. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks as much as possible. Children need to have healthy eating habits to carry over into adulthood. GIVE TEETH A REST.
Back to TopHow should my child clean their teeth?An adult should help a child with tooth cleaning until at least six years of age. The teeth should be brushed twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a small, soft brush. The gaps in between teeth should be cleaned with dental floss. You may want to buy some dental plaque-disclosing solution from your pharmacy. This is a dye that can stain the plaque on the teeth so you and your child can check to see that it has all been removed.
Back to TopWhat is the best way to use fluoride to prevent dental decay?Fluoridated water is the easiest way to help protect teeth at all ages. A fluoridated toothpaste should also be used. If you live in a non-fluoridated area, or if your child has experienced a lot of dental decay, you might like to speak to your dentist or a dental therapist about extra fluorides in mouthwashes that can help prevent dental decay.
Back to TopWhat are fissure sealants?A fissure sealant is a plastic coating which can be applied to the biting surfaces of teeth to make them easier to clean and to protect them from decay.
Back to TopWhere to go for more informationHealthEd website (Ministry of Health) This website makes available the following pamphlets:    Ministry of Health
The Ministry's website provides information about fluoridation in New Zealand7.
NZDA (The New Zealand Dental Association)
The NZDA website provides information and advice to consumers. Their website has stuff for kids8.
NZDA also provides a section "Your oral health: children" at their Healthy Smiles website:
Websites: http://www.nzda.org.nz/pub/ and http://www.healthysmiles.org.nz/
Australian websites
Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney
The website of the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney provides fact sheets on:
Back to TopLinks (these are the web addresses for the numbered links in the text above) Back to TopYour notesEndorsement
This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 23/10/2008
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 - 2010
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