Mouth and teeth

To give others easy access to KidsHealth's content on dental health and teeth, you can share a QR code poster. Anyone can scan one of the QR codes with their phone and go straight to the relevant KidsHealth page.

Photos and words to help you talk to your child about what happens when they visit a dental therapist.  

It's important to take good care of your child's teeth by brushing them twice a day and taking them for regular dental checkups. Parents share their tips and tricks for successful toothbrushing sessions. 

Your child will have most of their baby teeth by the age of 2. Find out how you can look after them when they are toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Your child will start to lose their primary or baby teeth around the age of 6 and will have all their adult teeth (except for wisdom teeth) by the age of 14. Find out what to expect and how to care for their teeth.   

Tongue tie is a condition that involves a small piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. This is called the frenulum. When a baby's frenulum is short or tight it can stop their tongue from moving properly. This is called a tongue tie. Tongue tie may cause a problem with breastfeeding for some pēpi (babies).

Pēpi (babies) will start getting their first teeth at around 6 months. Find out how you can look after them.

Basic dental care is free in New Zealand for tamariki (children) from birth until they turn 18. Enrol your child as early as possible and keep taking them for regular dental check-ups.

Community water fluoridation is an effective, safe and affordable way to prevent and reduce tooth decay for everyone.