
Good oral health is very important for a child's growth and can affect their health. Starting good tooth brushing habits as soon as their first tooth comes in, which usually happens around six months old, can help prevent tooth decay and other problems later on.
As children grow, it's important to encourage them to spit out toothpaste instead of rinsing with water. Rinsing washes away the fluoride, which helps protect their teeth and keep them healthy.
Some top tips for teeth can be found below:
Looking after your baby’s teeth is important, but so is taking care of your own oral health. During pregnancy, you’re more vulnerable to gum disease. Remember, your NHS dental check-ups and treatments are free up to a year after your baby’s birth.
Jeremy Marcantel, clinical lead for Havering 0-19 children’s services said:
“Small steps, like using the right amount of toothpaste and encouraging kids to spit out toothpaste rather than rinse, make a big difference in preventing decay and other dental issues later on.”
Follow the link to The Start for Life Dental Hygiene guide for more information.