Tooth brushing and oral health
Making sure that children regularly practice good habits starting when their first tooth comes through, can provide solid foundations to good oral health throughout their life.
This includes:
- As soon as teeth start to appear, try brushing 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.