Rinses should be used at different times to brushing to avoid washing the toothpaste off your teeth, as this reduces the beneficial effects of the fluoride in the toothpaste. Fluoride varnish Authority to prescribe an Authority medicine is granted for specific indications and/or for certain patient circumstances. Authority may be obtained by telephone to Medicare Australia (known as "phone approval") or in writing from an authorised delegate of the Minister for Health. Not all children like having their teeth brushed, so you may have to keep trying. Make it into a game, or brush your own teeth at the same time and then help your child finish their own. In some cases, kids’ teeth can be at more risk of cavities and specific oral care products may be appropriate. This will all be covered in your early dentist visits, where they will be able to recommend the best toothpaste for your child. How about mouthwash?

Fluoride mouth rinses can be prescribed for adults and children aged 8 and above who have tooth decay. They should be used every day, in addition to brushing twice daily with toothpaste containing at least 1,350ppm fluoride. When you visit the dentist, be positive about it and make the trip fun. This will stop your child worrying about future visits. Carry on helping your child brush their teeth until you're sure they can do it well enough themselves. This will normally be until they're at least 7. You should start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they start to come through, which is around six months. Once that first tooth makes an appearance, you should try to introduce your child to a toothbrush and toothpaste. Alongside products you can use at home, your dentist can also provide fluoride treatments if you or your child are at greater risk of or already have tooth decay.

Take your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear. This is so they become familiar with the environment and get to know the dentist. The dentist can advise you on how to prevent decay and identify any oral health problems at an early stage. Just opening up the child's mouth for the dentist to take a look at is useful practice for the future.

Fluoride varnish can be applied to both baby teeth and adult teeth. It involves painting a varnish that contains high levels of fluoride onto the surface of the tooth every 6 months to prevent decay. Some children may need this more often. It works by strengthening tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.However, a condition called dental fluorosis can sometimes occur if a child's teeth are exposed to too much fluoride when they're developing. With lots of different options catered to baby and toddler teeth – from fluoride-free and organic toothpastes to fruity-tasting and even unflavoured – it can be overwhelming to know which product is the best for your baby. The decision about whether to add fluoride to the water supply is made by individual local authorities. Areas where water fluoridation schemes are currently in place include parts of: Most water supplies contain some fluoride and in the early 20th century, levels of tooth decay were found to be associated with fluoride levels in drinking water. Gradually start brushing your child's teeth more thoroughly, covering all the surfaces of the teeth. Do it at least twice a day: just before bed and at another time that fits in with your routine.