Dentists and health organisations urge parents to start brushing with fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth, using age-appropriate amounts and close supervision.
Children’s dental care should begin as soon as the first tooth appears, with parents paying close attention to brushing habits, toothpaste choice and supervision. Health experts say those early routines can help reduce the risk of tooth decay and set children on a path towards better oral health as they grow.
The World Health Organization has identified tooth decay as a preventable problem, one that can be reduced through regular brushing, fluoride toothpaste and lower sugar intake. Johns Hopkins Medicine and the American Academy of Paediatrics both advise that fluoride toothpaste can be used once the first tooth erupts. For children under three, the recommended amount is a rice-grain-sized smear; for those aged three and above, a pea-sized amount is appropriate. The American Dental Association gives similar guidance and stresses that adults should supervise brushing to make sure children do not use too much toothpaste.
Satria, a dentist quoted in Jakarta, said care needs to change as children move through different stages of development. He said parents should not only choose a toothpaste suited to a child’s age, but also stay involved while the child brushes. As children reach pre-school and primary school age, he added, consistent brushing becomes more important, particularly as baby teeth begin to give way to permanent teeth.
That age-based approach is also being promoted by Ipeelu, an Australian children’s oral-care brand, which has organised its products around three stages: six months to two years, two to six years, and six to 12 years. The company says the idea is to encourage parents to match products more closely to a child’s development. It has also highlighted siwak, a traditional oral-care ingredient used in several cultures, in its product development. Ipeelu says it has worked with Satria on digital education efforts aimed at helping families build healthier brushing routines. The broader message from dental organisations remains the same: toothpaste should be chosen with fluoride content, age and proper use in mind, and parents should closely follow professional guidance.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
