Looking After Your Child's Teeth
Healthy Smiles Start Early
Good oral health begins from babyhood and builds the foundation for healthy adult teeth. Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood health problems, but with the right diet and brushing habits, it is largely preventable.
Here's a simple age-by-age guide to help keep your child's smile healthy.
Ages 0–3 Years
Toothbrushing Advice
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Brush twice a day, especially before bedtime.
- Use a soft baby toothbrush.
- Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1000ppm fluoride).
- Parents should do the brushing.
- Avoid putting babies to bed with bottles containing milk, juice, or sweet drinks.
Diet Advice
- Breast milk and plain water are best for babies.
- Avoid sugary drinks, juices, and sweet snacks.
- Keep sugary foods to mealtimes only.
- Encourage healthy snacks such as:
- Soft fruit
- Cheese
- Plain yoghurt
- Vegetable sticks
Ages 3–6 Years
Toothbrushing Advice
- Brush twice daily for 2 minutes.
- Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1350–1500ppm fluoride).
- Children should be supervised while brushing.
- Encourage spitting out toothpaste rather than rinsing.
- Replace toothbrushes every 3 months or sooner if bristles spread.
Diet Advice
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals.
- Water and milk are the best drinks.
- Reduce sticky sweets, dried fruit, and sugary cereals.
- Try healthy snacks like:
- Cheese
- Rice cakes
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Breadsticks
Ages 6–10 Years
Toothbrushing Advice
- Continue brushing twice daily for 2 minutes.
- Encourage independence but continue checking brushing quality.
- Use fluoride toothpaste (1350–1500ppm fluoride).
- Introduce flossing where teeth touch closely together.
- Consider using disclosing tablets occasionally to highlight plaque.
Diet Advice
- Limit fizzy drinks, sports drinks, and sugary juices.
- Encourage water throughout the day.
- Avoid frequent snacking.
- Tooth-friendly lunchbox ideas include:
- Cheese cubes
- Crackers
- Fruit
- Plain popcorn
- Yogurt
Ages 10+ Years
Toothbrushing Advice
- Brush twice daily for 2 minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.
- Pay attention to braces and orthodontic appliances if worn.
- Electric toothbrushes can improve plaque removal.
- Continue regular dental check-ups.
Diet Advice
- Be mindful of energy drinks, fizzy drinks, and sugary coffees.
- Encourage balanced meals and healthy snacks.
- Limit acidic foods and drinks that can wear enamel.
- Water remains the best drink for teeth.
Top Tips for Every Age
- Visit the dentist regularly.
- Brush last thing at night and one other time each day.
- Keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes.
- Choose water or milk between meals.
- Make toothbrushing fun with music, timers, or reward charts.
Healthy habits early on help create healthy smiles for life.
