Fact Sheet                                                                  August 2004

Oral Care for Babies, Toddlers and Children

Key principles for good oral health in babies and children -

The basic principles that parents or carers of babies/toddlers/children need to follow in order to help maintain the child’s good oral health include:

• Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods, especially those rich in calcium and low in acids and sugars

• Enjoy healthy snacks, with cheese and fruit being ideal after-school choices

• Drink plenty of tap water – especially if fluoridated

• Brush gently and thoroughly, with a fluoride toothpaste from age 2 onwards (with a low concentration for children up to 7 years)

• Use a soft compact head toothbrush

• Clean teeth at least twice a day, after breakfast and last thing before bedtime

• Have regular dental checkups – don’t wait for a problem to occur

• Dental checkups start with toddlers

To download the entire Fact Sheet in PDF format, please click on the following link:

General Fact Sheet - Babies, toddlers and children

For more information about one or each of the oral health conditions outlined above, for interview and/or feature and pictorial opportunities please contact Porter Novelli Melbourne:

Sarah Harvie – Phone: (03) 9289 9555 or 0402 217 956,
email: sharvie@porternovelli.com.au

Michelle Low – Phone: (03) 9289 9555 or 0403 003 659,
email: mlow@porternovelli.com.au

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