Your Child’s Teeth
Taking good care of your teeth is very important at any age, beginning as soon as the first baby tooth comes through.
Cleaning your child’s teeth should be part of their daily hygiene routine – just before they go to bed and at least one other time during the day. It’s important to supervise your child’s tooth brushing until they are at least seven.
How to brush your child’s teeth
Once the first tooth starts to appear, try using a toothbrush designed for children with a small smear of fluoride toothpaste. In the beginning, you may find it easier to stand or sit behind your child, cradling their chin in your hand, so you can reach their top and bottom teeth more easily.
When all the baby teeth have appeared, use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles in small, circular movements and try to concentrate on one section at a time. And don’t forget to brush gently behind the teeth and onto the gums.
Remember to encourage your child as praise will often get results!
Use a fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay, so we would recommend using a toothpaste that contains some fluoride. You can check the level of fluoride on the packaging of your toothpaste - we would always advise above 1500 parts per million - but if you’re not sure how much you need, then just ask one of your dental team.
Children should be supervised when brushing their teeth, up to the age of seven. You should make sure they do not rinse, but spit out the toothpaste and, if possible, that they don’t swallow any. This way the fluoride stays in the mouth for longer and will be more effective.
Encourage your child with a fun brush
There are many types of children’s toothbrushes, including brightly coloured or colour changing brushes, brushes that feature their favourite character and there’s some that even come with a timer.
The most important element is that you pick a small headed toothbrush with soft, nylon bristles, that’s suitable for a child of their age. A power toothbrush can help make brushing fun and can help your child brush for the correct amount of time.
Preventing tooth decay
The main cause of tooth decay is not the amount of sugar or acid in the diet, but how often it is eaten or drunk. The more often your child has sugary or acidic food or drinks, the more likely they are to have decay.
Help prevent tooth decay by:
- Only offering sugary or acidic foods at mealtimes
- Stick to cheese, vegetables, and fruit for snack times
- Limit how much dried fruit you give them as it’s high in sugar and can stick to their teeth
- Don’t give them drinks containing sugars, including fruit juices, between meals. Offer water or milk instead
- For babies, don’t add sugar to their drinks or to foods when you introduce solids
