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Content disclaimerContent on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Teeth developmentChildren usually start losing their baby teeth from around 6 years of age. From 6-12 years, children have a mixture of adult and baby teeth. By about 12 years, most children have all their adult teeth except for the third molars (wisdom teeth). There are 32 adult teeth. If your child’s baby teeth came late, the adult teeth will probably be late too. If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth development, see your dentist. When adult teeth are coming through It’s important to keep up your child’s teeth-brushing routine, taking extra care around the loose teeth or sensitive areas. But let loose teeth fall out on their own. If you try to pull out a tooth before it’s ready to fall out, it can injure the gums and nearby teeth. It can also cause pain and infection. Sometimes an adult tooth will come through before the baby tooth has fallen out. If the baby tooth hasn’t fallen out within 2-3 months, see your dentist. Dental care: keeping children’s teeth cleanBrush your child’s teeth twice a day – morning and night. From 3-6 years, use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste, unless your dentist recommends otherwise. Once your child is 6 years old, you can use a pea-sized amount of regular adult fluoride toothpaste. By the time your child reaches school, they might be starting to clean their own teeth. It’s still a good idea for you to either start or finish the cleaning process. Your child needs your supervision and help until they’re at least 8 years old. You can start to use waxed dental floss or an interdental brush to clean between your child’s teeth once a day. You can also encourage your child to rinse their mouth with water after lunch and snacks. This will help to wash away any leftover food. Losing baby teeth can be an exciting but anxious time. You can help your child feel better about it by celebrating each time a baby tooth falls out. The best way to brush children’s teethYou might like to try the following routine when brushing your child’s teeth:
Teeth-cleaning alone isn’t a guarantee against tooth decay. Diet is also important. Avoid giving your child sugary foods and sugary drinks like fruit juice, soft drink and flavoured milk. Toothbrushes: choosing and cleaning themChoosing a toothbrush
Electric and manual toothbrushes are equally good, as long as you use them properly to clean all the surfaces of all your child’s teeth. If you’re deciding between a manual and an electric toothbrush, it’s OK to let your child choose. Keeping the toothbrush clean It’s a good idea to change your child’s toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles get worn or frayed. Fluoride and dental careFluoride is a mineral that keeps teeth strong and prevents tooth decay. Fluoride is safe and works best when your child gets it in very small amounts throughout the day in:
For children who are at high risk of developing tooth decay, dentists might also prescribe gels and pastes with extra fluoride. Dental sealantsYour dentist might recommend dental sealants for your school-age child. Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that stick to the chewing surfaces of teeth. These sealants stop plaque build-up in the grooves of teeth and help prevent tooth decay. Applying the sealants is usually simple and quick, with no pain and very little discomfort for your child. Sealants don’t stay on your child’s teeth forever. Your dentist will check them regularly. They might sometimes need fixing or replacing. If you’re interested in dental sealants for your child, speak to your dentist. Visiting the dentistIt’s important for your child to have regular dental check-ups. Your dentist will tell you how often your child needs a check-up. Dentists usually recommend every 6-12 months. Your child might also see other oral health professionals, depending on your child’s needs. These include dental therapists, dental hygienists, oral health therapists or specialist dentists like paediatric dentists or orthodontists. Dental health care in AustraliaDental care for children is often free in the public dental system, up to a certain age. For details of public dental providers, see your state or territory health department website. There are private dental clinics all over Australia. You’ll have to pay for your appointments, but people with private health insurance might get some money back from their private health fund. If you’re eligible, the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers basic dental services for children aged 0-17 years at most private and public dental clinics. Do 5 year olds get molars?Your child will get their first permanent molars when they're about 6 or 7 years old. Your child will have these teeth for the rest of their lives. The 6-year molars are often the first teeth to decay in adulthood.
What teeth come in at 5 years old?If you notice your child's first molars erupting at age 5, you may be concerned and unsure of whether this is normal.
Do 5 year olds still have baby teeth?Children usually start losing their baby teeth from around 6 years of age. From 6-12 years, children have a mixture of adult and baby teeth. By about 12 years, most children have all their adult teeth except for the third molars (wisdom teeth). There are 32 adult teeth.
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