Looking After Your Baby’s Teeth: A Guide for Parents
You should continue to help your child brush their teeth until they’re able to do it well themselves. Most children will need your support until at least age 7.
Don’t worry if brushing is a bit tricky at first. The key is to get your baby into the habit of brushing their teeth every day with fluoride toothpaste. You can make this easier by brushing your own teeth at the same time and letting your little one watch you.
Top Tips for Tiny Teeth
- Brush at least twice a day: once before bed and once during the day, whenever it fits best into your routine.
- Use toothpaste with at least 11,000 ppm (parts per million) fluoride. You can find this on the side of the tube. Many supermarket brand toothpastes are suitable and cost less.
- For babies and toddlers up to age 3, use a baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of toothpaste. For children aged 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount.
- Gradually start cleaning your child’s teeth more thoroughly. Use small, gentle circles to brush the teeth, making sure to cover all surfaces.
- Some children might not enjoy having their teeth brushed, but don’t give up. Turn it into a fun game or brush your own teeth at the same time and then help your child finish.
- For babies, the easiest way to brush is by sitting them on your knee with their head resting against your chest. For older children, stand behind them and gently tilt their head back.
Remember no need to rinse after brushing
- Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste after brushing. There’s no need to rinse with water, as this can wash away the protective layer of fluoride from the toothpaste.
- Make sure your child is using the right amount of toothpaste and isn’t eating or licking it off the tub.
At night eating stops when brushing starts
- Brushing before bedtime is important. Don’t offer food after brushing teeth at night. To protect their smile, offer only water to drink (or milk for younger babies).
Say goodbye to the bottle
- To help avoid tooth decay introduce your baby to open cups or free-flow cups (without a valve) from 6 months.
- Make the full transition from baby bottles by the age of 1 to help avoid tooth decay.
Skip the sugar – They’re sweet enough!
- Too much sugary food and drink can damage your child’s delicate teeth and lead to tooth decay.
To protect their smile:
- Avoid baby and toddler drinks
- Don’t add sugar to meals
- Babies under 12 months don’t need snacks – offer milk if they’re hungry
- Choose sugar-free medicines when possible
NHS Dental Services
We understand that many people are having trouble accessing NHS dental services and know how frustrating this can be. Find local dentists in your area.