Children’s teeth – from the first tooth to the teenage years
Good dental habits start early and change as your child grows. Help from an adult and regular routines make a big difference.
Start with the first tooth
Brush morning and evening as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a small toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste containing fluoride.
Choose toothpaste according to age
Folktandvården Skåne recommends the following amounts and fluoride concentrations:
- Under two years of age: a small amount that fits on the child’s little fingernail, with 1000 ppm fluoride.
- From two to under six years: about a pea-sized amount, with 1000 ppm fluoride.
- From six years: about 1–2 cm of toothpaste with 1450 ppm fluoride.
The fluoride concentration is printed on the tube. Follow any individual advice your child has received from a dental professional.
Help even when your child wants to brush independently
Let your child practise, then help to make sure all tooth surfaces are clean. Children usually need help with brushing until around 10–12 years of age, sometimes longer. Pay particular attention to new teeth at the back of the mouth.
Give teeth a break
Choose water when your child is thirsty and avoid sweet drinks in a feeding bottle. Regular meals and snacks are better for teeth than frequent grazing. Limit both the amount of sweets and how often your child eats them. There is no reason to introduce sweets if your child does not eat them yet.
Get help with routines
Attend the dental check-ups your child is invited to. Contact your dental clinic if you need advice on brushing, toothpaste or your child’s teeth.