Every parent wants to do the right thing when it comes to their child’s teeth. But with so many toothpaste options and mixed advice online, it’s easy to make mistakes without realising it. At Howick Dental Surgery, we regularly meet families across East Auckland who are doing their best with brushing—yet their child still develops cavities, sensitivity, or enamel weakness.
Often, the problem isn’t the brushing itself, but how toothpaste is being used. Here are the three most common mistakes Kiwi parents make, and how to fix them to protect your child’s smile.
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Fluoride Amount for Your Child’s Age
Fluoride is one of the most important tools for preventing tooth decay. It strengthens enamel, repairs early damage, and helps protect kids from cavities—which remain one of the most common chronic conditions in New Zealand children.
But many parents are unsure how much fluoride their child needs.
Correct toothpaste guidelines:
- Under 18 months:
No toothpaste needed—just brush with water. - 18 months to 5 years:
Use asmear (rice-grain size) of low-fluoride toothpaste (around 500–600 ppm). - 6 years and older:
Use a pea-sized amountof regular fluoride toothpaste (1000–1500 ppm).
Using too little fluoride means the toothpaste won’t protect teeth effectively.
Using too much fluoride at a young age can increase the risk of fluorosis (harmless but visible white flecks on adult teeth).
The right balance is essential.
Mistake 2: Rinsing After Brushing
This is one of the most common (and surprising) mistakes.
Many children brush, spit… and then rinse everything away with water. But rinsing removes the fluoride coating that is meant to stay on the teeth and keep protecting them.
The correct method:
Spit out excess toothpaste and do not rinse afterwards.
This allows fluoride to stay on the tooth surface for longer, reducing the risk of cavities—especially important for children who snack frequently or have naturally weaker enamel.
If your child finds the foam uncomfortable, try:
- Using slightly less toothpaste
- Choosing a mild-flavour children’s toothpaste
- Practising “spit but don’t rinse” with supervision
This small change can significantly improve cavity prevention.
Mistake 3: Letting Kids Brush on Their Own Too Early
Young children love independence, but brushing is one task they cannot master immediately. Most kids simply do not have the coordination to brush effectively on their own until around the age of 8–9.
Before that age, brushing should be a team effort.
Why kids need help brushing:
- They miss back molars
- They brush too fast
- They don’t angle the brush correctly
- They often forget to brush the gumline
- They sometimes swallow toothpaste instead of spitting
Parents should guide brushing twice daily and let the child “have a turn” for learning, but the adult should finish the job.
When to Seek Dental Advice
You should book a visit with Howick Dental Surgery if:
- Your child has ongoing bad breath
- You notice chalky or brown spots on teeth
- Their gums bleed when brushing
- They’re getting cavities despite good brushing habits
- You’re unsure which toothpaste is best for their age
We provide child-friendly visits, personalised brushing guidance, and early intervention to keep young smiles healthy.
Small Changes Make a Big Difference to Your Child’s Smile
A correctly chosen toothpaste, no rinsing after brushing, and proper adult supervision can dramatically reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay.
If you need help choosing the right products or want your child’s brushing technique assessed, Howick Dental Surgery is here to support your family’s oral health journey.
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