Oral health for toddlers and pre-schoolers

Brush all the surfaces of the teeth and gum-line in small circles for around 2 minutes, twice a day - just before bedtime and at another time that fits in with your routine
Children under 3 should use a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1000ppm fluoride
Children aged 3 and over should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1000ppm fluoride
Use a toothpaste containing 1350-1500ppm fluoride for maximum prevention. Most ‘own brand’ supermarket toothpastes are suitable and more affordable
Spit out the toothpaste and do not rinse!
Brush all the surfaces of the teeth. The parent/carer should sit the child on their lap or stand behind them and cradle the child’s head while brushing
Persevere even if the child is uncooperative. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is more important than good toothbrushing technique!
Each family member should have their own toothbrush to stop spread of germs

Shopping trolley

Reduce the amount and frequency of having foods and drinks that contain sugar, only give sweet foods including dried fruit at mealtimes
Squashes sweetened with sugar, fizzy drinks, soft drinks and juice drinks have no place in a child’s daily diet
'No added sugar’ still contain natural sugars and can damage teeth. Diet/zero fizzy drinks still contain acids that can damage teeth
Limit the amount of fruit juice and/or smoothies your child drinks to a maximum of 150 mls (one portion) in total per day and drink it with meals to reduce the risk of tooth decay
Always ask for sugar-free medicines
baby teeth wobble out and the first adult teeth start to come through at age 6-7

NHS dental treatment is free for children under 18 or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education
Going to the dentist regularly helps the child become familiar with the dental environment, and enables the dentist to pick up on any problems as early as possible
The dentist can paint fluoride varnish on children’s teeth to protect them from tooth decay. All children over 3 should have it applied at least twice a year, and it may also be used for younger children at high risk of tooth decay. Parents/carers should ask their dentist about fluoride varnish
Baby teeth wobble out and the first adult teeth start to come through at age 6-7

At the dentist