A gleaming white set of gnashers

As soon as teeth start to appear, you should buy a toothbrush recommended for babies and brush the teeth twice a day. Babies accept things that are familiar to them, so do let them hold a brush, without toothpaste. They’ll probably brush their teeth, their hair, and probably their favourite toy – or even the cat – with it.

Let your baby watch you brush your teeth – your baby will learn by watching you if you encourage them to join in – make it ‘fun’. The easiest way to brush a child’s teeth is from behind, with them sitting on your knee. Then, gently brush each tooth with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste on the brush (remember that a child will swallow most of the paste). Fluoride is a naturally occurring element, which will make teeth more resistant to dental decay.

• Only use a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Use a soft to medium brush with a small head which allows it to reach all parts of the mouth easily and comfortably
• Don’t keep a brush for more than three months or after the bristles have started to spread out
• Teeth and gums should be brushed thoroughly everyday with fluoride toothpaste, going all round each tooth
• Use a circular ‘scrub’ technique, with the bristles aiming down where the tooth and gum meet.

Have regular check-ups. This will ensure that your baby’s familiar with the environment, even though treatment won’t usually begin until they’re about two.

Remember that yourNHS dental treatment is free until your baby’s first birthday and children receive free dental treatment until they’re 16; 18 if they’re in full time education.

The state of the nation’s teeth has improved dramatically over the last two decades:

• Today 55% of 5 year olds have never experienced tooth decay:
• 20 years ago this was just 28%
• Today 50% of all 12 year old children have never had tooth decay:
• 20 years ago this was only 7%