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Looking after your babies teeth
Your baby’s teeth begin to come through at around the age of six months, and many parents aren't aware that it's really important to start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears!
Children need healthy teeth, they help them eat, speak, and smile confidently. You can help them by teaching them good dental habits, such as regular brushing and not eating or drinking too much sugar.
Recommendations
As soon as baby's teeth appear brush their gums and teeth daily. At first, you might not be able to brush much, and this is OK. The most important thing is to get your baby used to brushing their teeth as part of a daily routine.
Brush first teeth twice daily, just before bed and at another time that fits into your routine.
Once the teeth appear use a soft baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm (parts per million) fluoride.
Brush the teeth in small circles, covering all surfaces. Brushing babies teeth may be easier if baby is sitting on your knee, with their head resting against your chest.
Sing to your baby during brushing or make it a gentle daily routine. Not all young children like having their teeth brushed, so you may have to keep trying. Make it a game or brush your own teeth at the same time.
When to See a Dentist
Take your child to the dentist from the appearance of the first tooth or by age one.
Sugar & Snacks
Avoid sugary drinks the best drinks for young children are plain milk and water. Avoid putting juice and sweetened drinks in a baby bottle. Avoid foods sucked directly from baby/toddler pouches. They are often high in sugar, encourage a sweet tooth and can lead to tooth decay.
Baby teeth are important, they help your child to eat, speak and smile confidently. Milk teeth also help to hold space for adult teeth that come later.
Start brushing at the same times each day to create a daily routine.
For babies with medical conditions, speak to your dentist or health visitor for tailored advice. If your child needs medicine, ask a pharmacist or GP if there is a sugar free option.
From 6 months of age your child should be introduced to drinking from a non - valved free flowing cup. From one year old feeding from a bottle should be discouraged. Leaving bottles with milk or juice overnight can cause tooth decay.
Benefits of Good Oral Health
Healthy teeth and gums, enables comfortable eating, builds lifelong oral hygiene habits. Promotes good general health and wellbeing.