Healthy teeth

Every parent wants their child to have healthy teeth, but it can be difficult to know what to do to make sure this happens, especially in the early years. Children’s teeth are more prone to decay than adult teeth, and so it’s important to establish good habits early to avoid the distress of tooth decay. The good news is that by following a few simple steps, tooth decay is almost entirely preventable.

Top tips for healthy teeth

• Start brushing from the minute you see your baby's first tooth

• Brush twice a day with a small smear of fluoride toothpaste on the brush – including once just before bed after all food and drink is finished

• Brush your child's teeth or supervise them brushing until they are at least 7 years old

• Spit don’t rinse after toothbrushing – rinsing washes away the fluoride that protects your children’s teeth

• Use songs, games and lots of praise to make toothbrushing fun

• Avoid sugary drinks and snacks, especially between meals. Fruit juice and dried fruit are also best at mealtimes rather than on their own

• Milk or water are the best drinks for young children – if you’re bottle feeding, start using a free-flow beaker instead of a bottle from 6 months

• Register your child with a dentist when their first tooth comes through and take them for regular checks

Growing up with healthy teeth

Watch our video on what we can do to help children grow up with healthy teeth.