It’s never too early to start caring for your baby’s teeth.

You need to register your baby with a dentist soon after birth or at least as soon as their first tooth appears. Visit your dentist with your child regularly for dental checks from then on.

It is important to protect your child’s first teeth against decay so that adult teeth have a chance to fully develop before they come through.

Most habits are formed during the first few years of life when parents have the greatest influence over their child.

Tooth brushing tips

• Begin tooth brushing when the first tooth appears using a small headed tooth brush.
• For children 0 to 3 years old use fluoridated toothpaste containing no less than 1,000 ppm fluoride. For children 3-6 years old use fluoridated toothpaste containing more than 1,000 ppm fluoride.
• Brush for 2 minutes last thing at night before bed and at least one other time each day.
• Spit out – don’t rinse when finished.
• Supervise your child’s brushing until they are at least 7 years old.

Diet and Dental Health

Sugar is the main cause of tooth decay. Sweets and fizzy drinks do more damage to teeth than anything else.

• Encourage the use of a feeding cup from 6 months onwards.
• Milk and water are the best choice of drinks.
• Sugary foods and drinks should be kept to mealtimes.