Cavities are one of the most common chronic conditions in children, but the good news is—they’re almost entirely preventable. With good habits and routine dental care, you can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth. Here are evidence-based tips from dentists and public health experts to help prevent cavities in kids.
Cavities (also known as dental caries) develop when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acid, which breaks down tooth enamel over time. Children are particularly vulnerable due to:
Frequent snacking or drinking sugary beverages
Incomplete brushing and flossing habits
Thinner enamel on baby teeth
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 42% of Australian children aged 5–10 have experienced tooth decay in their baby teeth 1.
Children should start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear (rice-sized amount) of fluoride toothpaste. By age 3, a pea-sized amount is recommended 2.
Brush twice daily for 2 minutes
Begin flossing once teeth touch
Replace the toothbrush every 3–4 months
Supervision is key to ensure they’re doing it correctly.
Frequent exposure to sugar significantly increases the risk of cavities. The World Health Organization recommends reducing free sugar intake to less than 10% of daily energy intake—and ideally below 5% 3.
Dentists suggest:
Replacing juice with water
Limiting sticky snacks like lollies or fruit chews
Encouraging sugar-free gum (for older children) to stimulate saliva
Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) to block out food and bacteria. According to the CDC, sealants can prevent 80% of cavities in molars 4.
They are painless, affordable, and highly effective—especially for children aged 6–14.
Routine dental checkups catch problems early and allow for preventive treatments like fluoride varnish or sealants.
First dental visit by age 1
Checkups every 6–12 months
Early fluoride treatments for high-risk children
The Australian Dental Association also emphasises the importance of dental visits starting in infancy 5.
Letting a baby fall asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice can lead to “baby bottle tooth decay” due to prolonged sugar exposure overnight 6.
To prevent this:
Only offer water at bedtime
Clean gums with a soft cloth after feedings
Transition from bottles to cups by age 1
Children mimic their parents. Brush and floss together to build consistent routines, and make oral hygiene fun with games, songs, or reward charts.
Preventing cavities in kids is about creating consistent, supportive habits early on. From brushing routines and healthy snacks to regular dental visits, small actions make a big difference. If you’re unsure about your child’s cavity risk, speak to your dentist—they’ll provide personalised advice for your family’s needs
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020). Oral health and dental care in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia ↩
American Dental Association. (n.d.). Brushing your teeth. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/resources/research/oral-health-topics/brushing-your-teeth ↩
World Health Organization. (2015). Sugars intake for adults and children: Guideline. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549028 ↩
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Dental Sealants. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/dental_sealant_program/index.htm ↩
Australian Dental Association. (n.d.). Child Dental Care. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org.au/Dental-Health-Week/Oral-Health-For-Babies-Children ↩
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Baby bottle tooth decay. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/baby-bottle-tooth-decay/art-20046914 ↩
Dr Linda Yoon
Founder & principal dentist of Lumina Dental