Looking after your children's teeth

Looking after your child’s teeth is important for their health and well-being. You can help your child have healthy teeth by starting good habits early.

Toothbrushing tips

It's important to use a fluoride toothpaste, as this helps prevent and control tooth decay.

Children aged up to 3 years

• Start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through (usually at around 6 months, but it can be earlier or later).
• Parents or carers should brush the teeth.
• Brush teeth twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush last thing at night before bed and on 1 other occasion.
• Use children's fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,450ppm of fluoride (check on the box) unless a dentist advises using a family toothpaste with higher levels of fluoride.
• Use only a smear of toothpaste.
• Make sure children don't eat or lick toothpaste from the tube.

Children aged 3 to 6 years

• Brush at least twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush last thing at night before bed and at least on 1 other occasion.
• Encourage your child to brush their own teeth while supervising them.
• Use children's fluoride toothpaste that contains at least 1450ppm fluoride (check on the box).
• Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Spit out after brushing and don't rinse – if you rinse, the fluoride won't work as well.

Children aged 7 and over

• Brush at least twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush last thing at night before bed and at least on 1 other occasion.
• Use fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1450ppm fluoride (check on the box).
• Spit out after brushing and don't rinse – if you rinse, the fluoride won't work as well.

Children aged 7 and over should be able to brush their own teeth, but it's still a good idea to watch them to make sure they brush properly and for about 2 minutes.

How to help children brush their teeth properly

• Guide your child's hand so they can feel the correct movement.
• Use a mirror to help your child see exactly where the brush is cleaning their teeth.
• Use a small, soft toothbrush that is right for your child's age.
• Brush your child's teeth using small, circular movements.
• Remember to gently brush their gums and behind their teeth.
• Make tooth brushing as fun as possible by using an egg timer to time it for about 2 minutes.
• Don't let children run around with a toothbrush in their mouth, as they may have an accident and hurt themselves.

Taking your child to the dentist

• NHS dental care for children is free.
• Take your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear, or before they are 12 months old. This is so they become familiar with the environment and get to know the dentist. The dentist can advise you on how to prevent decay and identify any oral health problems at an early stage. Just opening up the child's mouth for the dentist to take a look at is useful practice for the future.
• When you visit the dentist, be positive about it and make the trip fun. This will stop your child worrying about future visits.
• Take your child for regular dental check-ups as advised by the dentist.

Find a dentist near you

Fluoride varnish and fissure sealants

Dentists can help keep your child’s teeth healthy. They do this by using fluoride varnish and fissure sealants.

• Fissure sealants protect the back teeth, which usually come through around age 6. The dentist puts a thin plastic cover over the tooth to protect for up to 4 years.
• Fluoride varnish makes teeth stronger by painting onto the teeth, it can be applied to baby teeth and children aged 3 and over should have it applied twice a year.

Ask your dentist for more information.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research have developed an oral health support package called toothPASTE, specifically for families with young autistic children.

It's a free, online resource developed with parents and professionals to support autistic children’s oral health but also relevant to many children with additional needs. It includes small, practical steps to help with toothbrushing, reducing sugary foods and drinks, and attending dental appointments.

The resources are autism-informed, non-judgemental, and easy to use.

Cbeebies Parenting has so many resources to help you and your little to keep their teeth happy and healthy. Here you will find videos to help you guide your toddlers, apps and games you can play, as well as a free reward chart! Just click on the links below:

Cbeebies: Teaching toddlers to brush

Cbeebies: Toothbrushing games

Cbeebies: Reward Charts