Primary (baby) teeth come through from around 6 months old and permanent (adult) teeth come through from around 6 years old.
A sucking habit after the age of 7 years can cause permanent change in the position of permanent (adult) teeth.

It is recommended that children are taken to the dentist once their first tooth comes through and by the age of one. 
This way, they become more comfortable visiting a dentist.

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Tooth decay and poor oral health in childhood can lead to:

• Pain
• Infection
• Time off school and work for parents/carers
• Altered sleep and eating patterns
• The need for teeth to be removed (causing potential problems with positioning of teeth, which may lead to treatment with braces to straighten teeth)
• A commitment to long-term dentistry
• Low self-esteem and victim of bullying

Therefore, oral health is an important aspect of a child's overall health status and of their school readiness. To avoid pain and tooth decay from a young age, and to associate the dentist with wellbeing rather than pain, it's important to start healthy habits from home.

• Children should brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day (2x2) using a fluoride-containing toothpaste and toothbrush that is age appropriate. This starts from 6 months of age or as soon as the first tooth erupts. Children under 7 should be supervised by an adult when brushing their teeth.
   
• By keeping a balanced diet and by cutting down acidic food and drink (i.e. restricting these to meal times, cutting out very sugary drinks all together), the risk of teeth erosion is reduced. Water and milk are safe to drink.
   
• Teeth should not be brushed after vomiting or reflux as this can cause more damage to the teeth. It is acid from the diet, from medicines, vomiting or reflux that causes teeth erosion.

A knocked out permanent (adult) tooth should be held by its crown, rinsed under cold tap water if dirty (maximum 10 seconds) and positioned back in the mouth. If this is not possible, place in milk or saline. Seek dental treatment immediately.