Read our top tips to help your child get into good habits with brushing their teeth.
This includes:
- As soon as teeth start to appear, brush your child’s teeth using a small toothbrush designed for children.
- Encouraging regular toothbrushing at least twice a day for 2 minutes (after breakfast and just before bedtime.)
- Helping and guiding your child when brushing their teeth until they are at least seven.
- Don’t forget to make it fun, brushing gently behind the teeth and onto the gums!
- Encourage children to spit out after brushing and do not rinse, so that the fluoride stays on their teeth longer
- Using a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent and control tooth decay.
- Providing healthier alternatives to sugary foods and drinks.
- Encouraging regular visits to the dentist when your child gets their first tooth.
- Ask your dentist about fluoride varnish or fissure sealing for your child. This is where the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (baby or permanent teeth) are covered with a special thin plastic coating to prevent dental decay
- Find out more about options for straightening crooked teeth with braces for older children.
You can also find more information on how to look after a baby's teeth.
Additional resources
Department of Health and Social Care Campaign Resources
Resources including posters, leaflets and social media assets.