Dental Health Week (5–11 August 2025) is around the corner, and this year’s theme from the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is all about one simple idea: helping kids hit every milestone on their smile journey.

It’s called “Reach Every S-milestone”, and it focuses on the key stages of a child’s oral development — like suckling, smiling, speaking and eventually learning how to care for their teeth on their own.

But this week isn’t just about kids. It’s also a chance for parents, carers, and communities to understand how small, everyday habits can shape a lifetime of healthy smiles — and how easy it is to fall behind without even realising.

Whether you’re brushing tiny baby teeth or trying to convince a teenager that flossing is still important, this week is a reminder: oral health is a team effort, and every stage matters.

What Are the “S-milestones”?

You won’t find these listed in a baby book — but you’ll see them play out in everyday life. The ADA has mapped out five key “S-milestones” to focus on:

  • Suckling and feeding – The earliest stage. How babies feed can affect their teeth, jaws and future bite.
  • Smiling – Baby teeth start appearing around 6 months, and with them come those cheeky little grins.
  • Salivating – Saliva helps protect little teeth, so it’s more important than you might think.
  • Speech – Healthy teeth help kids form words properly and speak clearly.
  • Self-care – Eventually, kids take the reins. That’s when brushing, flossing and dentist visits become their responsibility.

Every stage builds on the one before. And while every child will reach these milestones at their own pace, it’s up to the grown-ups to help them along the way.

Why It Matters

Dental decay is the most common chronic disease among Australian children — and it’s largely preventable. But too often, oral health only becomes a focus when there’s already pain, a filling, or a visit to the emergency department.

Prevention really is better than cure. And that means starting early — before a child even gets their first tooth — and staying consistent as they grow.

The reality is, brushing twice a day isn’t just a good habit. It can save you time, money, and tears down the track.

How to Support a Healthy Smile at Every Stage

Here are four simple things every family can do, regardless of age:

  1. Brush Twice a Day

Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. For young kids, a smear of toothpaste is enough. Keep helping them brush until they’re at least 8 years old — they don’t quite have the dexterity to do it well on their own before then.

  1. Clean Between Teeth

As soon as two teeth touch, start cleaning between them. That could mean floss or soft interdental brushes — whatever works for your family.

  1. Watch the Sugar

Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals. Water and milk are best for growing teeth.

  1. Visit the Dentist Regularly

Don’t wait for a problem to pop up. Kids should see a dentist by their first birthday, and then every 6–12 months after that.

A Few More Things to Know

  • Saliva is your friend. It helps neutralise acids and protect enamel. Encourage plenty of water and avoid dry-mouth habits like frequent snacking or mouth breathing.
  • Speech issues could be dental. If your child struggles with pronunciation, their teeth may play a role. A dentist can help assess if alignment or spacing is a factor.
  • You’re not alone. The ADA’s website teeth.org.au is full of easy-to-follow info for every age and stage.

What You Can Do This Dental Health Week

  • Chat with your kids about their teeth. Make brushing fun, not a chore.
  • Share tips with other parents or carers — because no one figures this out alone.
  • Book that dental check-up you’ve been meaning to make (for your kids or yourself!).
  • Follow the conversation on social media using #DentalHealthWeek2025.

It’s About More Than Teeth

Reaching every smile milestone isn’t just about avoiding cavities. It’s about confidence, speech, nutrition, and setting up our kids with habits that will protect them long after they’ve moved out of home.

So this Dental Health Week, let’s celebrate the wins — the wiggly baby teeth, the first time they brush solo, the proud “no cavities” stickers — and keep moving forward, one smile at a time.