Summary
Babies and children should have teeth checked no later than 12 months of age to help with early diagnosis and prevention of oral disease. All children from 0-12 years are eligible for public oral health services. Babies and toddlers should have their teeth cleaned. Children can use low fluoride toothpaste from 18 months of age.Children’s teeth should be checked early. The Child Health Record recommends two checks before the age of three and a half years. This will help in early diagnosis and prevention of oral disease.
The checks may be done by a Maternal and Child Health nurse, dentist, dental therapist or paediatrician. Information on dental care will be given to you at this time. The Maternal and Child Health nurse may refer you to a dentist or other oral health professional.
