Looking After Your Toddlers Oral Health

Once your baby's first tooth appears, it's important to start teaching them proper dental care.

A regular teeth-cleaning routine is essential for good dental health. Follow these tips and you can help keep your kids' teeth decay-free.

A smear of toothpaste - For babies and toddlers up to 3 years

Toothbrushing Tips for Children aged up to 3 years

• It's important to use a fluoride toothpaste, as this helps prevent and control tooth decay.
• Start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through (usually at around 6 months, but it can be earlier or later).
• Parents or carers should brush the teeth.
• Brush teeth twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush last thing at night before bed and on 1 other occasion.
• Use children's fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride (check label) unless a dentist advises family toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm fluoride.
• Use only a smear of toothpaste.
• Make sure children don't eat or lick toothpaste from the tube.

Taking your child to the dentist

Healthy teeth are essential for eating, speaking, and smiling. Good habits, like brushing regularly and limiting sugary foods, can help your child maintain a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Did you know?

NHS dental check-ups and treatment are FREE for children under 18, pregnant mothers, and mothers until their baby's first birthday.

The dentist can advise you on how to prevent decay and identify any oral health problems at an early stage. Just opening up the child's mouth for the dentist to take a look at is useful practice for the future.

When you visit the dentist, be positive about it and make the trip fun. This will stop your child worrying about future visits. It's important that you take your child for regular dental check-ups.

To find a dentist for your baby, use the services search, ask at your local clinic, or email NHS England on england.contactus@nhs.net

For more information on looking after your child's teeth click here 

Click here to download your copy of 'Top Teeth Tips' created by the oral health improvement team.