At tooth dental in London we see plenty of children from a very young age, and we are always so happy about this, as looking after your child’s teeth from an early age is one of the best things you can do for their overall health and well-being.
Healthy teeth help children eat and speak properly, and good dental habits developed in childhood can last a lifetime. It is never too early to start the routine!
Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic conditions among children, but the good news is that in the main it is preventable.
So, here’s my top five tips for looking after your child’s teeth and keeping those little smiles healthy and bright.
1. Start Early and Brush Twice Daily
Dental care should begin even before your child’s first tooth appears. Use a clean, soft wipe or a clean finger to gently wipe your baby’s gums after feedings. This can help to reduce bacteria along the gum line. Once teeth begin to emerge, which is usually around 6 months, you should start brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Remember to brush very gently though!
As your child grows, teach them to brush their teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed. By the time they’re about three years old, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount. Supervise brushing until at least age 7 to ensure they’re doing it thoroughly and not swallowing toothpaste.
2. Make Brushing Fun and Consistent
Establishing a routine is essential, but making it enjoyable helps make it stick. You can do things like turning brushing into a game, or play your child’s favorite song to encourage them to brush for the recommended two minutes. There are also many fun toothbrushes featuring cartoon characters or built-in timers that can help keep children engaged - we recommend anything that engages your child or children into a routine for good oral health.
Try brushing your own teeth at the same time as children tend to love to copy their parents, plus turning it into a family activity helps reinforce the behaviour you want your child to adopt.
3. Watch Sugar Intake and Encourage Tooth-Friendly Snacks
Diet plays a big role in dental health. Sugary snacks and drinks, especially when consumed frequently, can contribute to tooth decay. Limit sweets, fizzy drinks, and fruit juices, and be cautious of hidden sugars in packaged snacks - even if the label may suggest that they are healthy. Please always avoid things like coke or orangeade etc.
Instead, encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Tooth-friendly snacks can include apples, carrots, and nuts. Water should be the go-to drink, especially between meals and this will help in later life too - often fizzy, sugary drink habits are developed early.
4. Visit the Dentist Regularly
Regular dental check-ups are vital for spotting any potential issues early and helping your child feel comfortable with the dentist. The first dental visit should occur by your child’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Don’t worry, all of the team at tooth in Waterloo are great with children - we love them! Plus positive memories of the dentist last so long - I still remember how happy I was as a child receiving a ‘brave patient’ sticker after my appointment!
After that, most children should see the dentist every six months unless recommended otherwise by a dental health professional. These visits allow the dentist to monitor development, give advice on brushing and diet, and apply protective treatments like fluoride varnish if needed. Regular visits also help reduce fear and anxiety about dental care in the future, another thing that really helps throughout life.
5. Protect Teeth During Sports and Play
This last tip is one that many people forget! Accidents do happen, especially as children are so active. If your child plays contact sports, consider getting them a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury. Naturally, when your child is young, teeth are changing - they will be coming out and new permanent teeth will be appearing (depending on the child’s age), so check with your Dentist if it is an appropriate time for a sports mouthguard. They aren’t very expensive and can really help.
Also for a Dentist, there’s nothing more horrifying than seeing people using their teeth as tools! Please never try to open packaging (or bottles!) with your teeth at any age. Teach children not to use their teeth as tools (e.g., to open packaging) and to avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, ice, or even their fingernails, as these can damage enamel or cause chips and cracks.
How do I book a dental exam for my child?
Booking a dental exam for your child is easy - you can just click here or press the button below to fill our our online booking form, or you can call us, or WhatsApp us.
Looking after your child’s teeth…
So, in summary, looking after your child’s teeth doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency, supervision, and a proactive approach.
By starting early, encouraging good habits, and keeping regular dental appointments, you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Remember: the habits children develop now will follow them into adulthood, so it’s never too early to begin.
If you have questions or need guidance on your child’s oral care routine, don’t hesitate to contact your us at tooth or to book your child in for a check up. A dental exam for children is only £25 (for under 11s) and it will help you keep those little teeth strong, clean, and cavity-free!
Dr. Anna x