Maintain a good brushing routine
Brushing twice a day is one of the most effective ways to protect your child's teeth and gums. Aim for brushing for two minutes, twice daily – once in the morning and once before bed.
Regular brushing helps prevent the build-up of plaque, which can cause tooth decay and gum problems. Plaque tends to collect where the teeth meet the gums, so make sure the toothbrush gently reaches this area. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and offers extra protection against decay.
Choosing the right toothbrush is important. A manual toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles is ideal for younger children. Electric toothbrushes can be helpful for children over the age of three, as long as they are age-appropriate and used correctly. Toothbrushes (or electric brush heads) should be changed every three months, or sooner if the bristles become worn or frayed.
Maintain a good brushing routine
Brushing twice a day is one of the most effective ways to protect your child's teeth and gums. Aim for brushing for two minutes, twice daily – once in the morning and once before bed.
Regular brushing helps prevent the build-up of plaque, which can cause tooth decay and gum problems. Plaque tends to collect where the teeth meet the gums, so make sure the toothbrush gently reaches this area. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and offers extra protection against decay.
Choosing the right toothbrush is important. A manual toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles is ideal for younger children. Electric toothbrushes can be helpful for children over the age of three, as long as they are age-appropriate and used correctly. Toothbrushes (or electric brush heads) should be changed every three months, or sooner if the bristles become worn or frayed.
Did you know?
Most children need help brushing until they have the coordination to do it properly themselves. A useful guide is when they can tie their own shoelaces, which is usually around 7 years old. Children should be supervised when brushing beyond this age to make sure they’re cleaning all areas effectively.
When children are learning to brush, starting with a manual toothbrush can help them understand the correct movements and technique before progressing to an electric brush.
Did you know?
Most children need help brushing until they have the coordination to do it properly themselves. A useful guide is when they can tie their own shoelaces, which is usually around 7 years old. Children should be supervised when brushing beyond this age to make sure they’re cleaning all areas effectively.
When children are learning to brush, starting with a manual toothbrush can help them understand the correct movements and technique before progressing to an electric brush.
Diet is key
What children eat and drink has a big impact on their dental health. Sugary foods and drinks, including fizzy drinks and fruit juices, increase the risk of tooth decay. Acidic drinks can also soften tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to damage over time.
Limiting sugary snacks and drinks, offering water or milk instead, and keeping sugary foods to mealtimes can all help protect your child's teeth. Tooth-friendly snacks such as cheese or plain rice cakes are good alternatives between meals.
Diet is key
What children eat and drink has a big impact on their dental health. Sugary foods and drinks, including fizzy drinks and fruit juices, increase the risk of tooth decay. Acidic drinks can also soften tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to damage over time.
Limiting sugary snacks and drinks, offering water or milk instead, and keeping sugary foods to mealtimes can all help protect your child's teeth. Tooth-friendly snacks such as cheese or plain rice cakes are good alternatives between meals.
Did you know?
It's best to wait around 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods before brushing. This allows the enamel to re-harden, reducing the risk of damage from brushing too soon.
Did you know?
It's best to wait around 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods before brushing. This allows the enamel to re-harden, reducing the risk of damage from brushing too soon.
Milk teeth are still important
It's a common myth that baby (milk) teeth don't matter because they eventually fall out. In fact, milk teeth play an important role in chewing, speech development, and guiding adult teeth into the correct position. If milk teeth are lost too early due to decay or infection, it can increase the risk of crowding or alignment problems later on. Looking after baby teeth is an important part of supporting your child's long-term oral health.
Milk teeth are still important
It's a common myth that baby (milk) teeth don't matter because they eventually fall out. In fact, milk teeth play an important role in chewing, speech development, and guiding adult teeth into the correct position. If milk teeth are lost too early due to decay or infection, it can increase the risk of crowding or alignment problems later on. Looking after baby teeth is an important part of supporting your child's long-term oral health.
Encouraging good dental habits
Alongside brushing and a balanced diet, encouraging healthy habits from an early age can make a real difference. Regular dental visits help children become familiar with the dental environment and allow problems to be identified early.
After brushing, encourage your child to spit, not rinse, so the fluoride toothpaste stays on the teeth for longer. For older children, using a fluoride mouthwash at a different time of day to brushing can provide additional protection against tooth decay.
Encouraging good dental habits
Alongside brushing and a balanced diet, encouraging healthy habits from an early age can make a real difference. Regular dental visits help children become familiar with the dental environment and allow problems to be identified early.
After brushing, encourage your child to spit, not rinse, so the fluoride toothpaste stays on the teeth for longer. For older children, using a fluoride mouthwash at a different time of day to brushing can provide additional protection against tooth decay.
Did you know?
We recommend taking your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth appears. Early visits help establish good habits and make dental health check-ups feel normal and relaxed.
Did you know?
We recommend taking your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth appears. Early visits help establish good habits and make dental health check-ups feel normal and relaxed.