In theory, tooth care should be quite simple - don’t allow children to have
sugary things too often and make sure their teeth are brushed well twice a
day for two minutes. In practice, it’s not that easy, the way sugary
products are advertised and promoted can make it difficult to limit them.
Get your child used to visiting the dentist and take them to an appointment
with you to reassure them. Talk to your health visitor and take your child to
a dentist as soon as you can.
Improving-oral-health-for-children.pdf
Use a family fluoride toothpaste right from the
start. Remember that good tooth care will come
from you, mums and dads, brothers and sisters.
Take opportunities to let them watch you
brushing your teeth. Explain what you are doing
and why you are doing it. Try to make it fun. Visit
the dentist as a family.
As soon as teeth appear in the mouth,
parents should brush their baby’s
teeth in the morning and last thing
before bed.
Provide a healthy, balanced diet and
limit sugary food and drinks to
mealtimes only. Sugar or honey should
not be added to weaning foods.
Introduce drinking from a cup from
six months and stop bottle feeding by
one year. If children are brought up to
care for their teeth early on, it should
stand them in good stead for the rest
of their lives.
Do not give your toddler juice in a
bottle or sippy cup. They may use this
as a comforter and expose teeth to
fruit sugar all day long.