Baby oral care: why early signs matter for lifelong health

Resource developed by Child Australia in collaboration with Dental on Wheels is helping early childhood educators understand the vital role they can play in supporting baby oral health and why it’s about far more than just teeth.

The Baby Oral Care Basics series, created with oral health experts from Dental on Wheels, explores the subtle signs and often-overlooked impacts of oral health issues in young children. From teeth grinding to mouth breathing, some symptoms can be early indicators of concerns linked to sleep quality, airway health and overall development.

Oral health and whole-child wellbeing

While oral health is sometimes seen as a standalone aspect of care, growing evidence shows it is closely connected to a child’s wellbeing, growth and learning. Educators are in a unique position to notice these signs in daily routines and play, providing valuable support to families in seeking early intervention.

The series offers practical tips and expert insights to help educators and carers:

• Recognise early signs of potential oral health concerns
• Understand the links between oral health, sleep, breathing and development
• Guide families towards appropriate professional care
• Support healthy oral care routines in early learning environments

Whether working with babies, toddlers or pre-kindergarten children, educators can play a powerful role in fostering healthy habits from the earliest years. By recognising subtle changes and understanding their possible impacts, early intervention can help prevent longer-term challenges.

As the series reminds us: Healthy mouths lead to healthy minds and bodies and early education is an important part of that journey.

Access the free resources here.