How to take care of your toddler’s teeth

When do babies get teeth?

Your child’s very first tooth will most likely make an appearance when they’re around 6 months of age. But every child is different, so it could happen a little earlier or later than this. They’ll continue to sprout more baby teeth until all 20 of these have come through, usually by age 3. When your little one is around 6 years old, they’ll start to lose these baby teeth as their permanent adult teeth come in.

When should I start brushing my toddler’s teeth?

You can begin brushing your toddler’s teeth as soon as their first tooth erupts and keep supervising their brushing until they’re at least seven.

You might not think baby teeth matter too much, since they fall out eventually. But they help your toddler to eat and speak properly, smile with confidence, and make room for their adult teeth to grow into.

Plaque can build up on baby teeth just like it does on adult teeth. This is a film of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of teeth. Over time, plaque can cause tooth decay. And because baby teeth are thinner than adult teeth, they’re even more prone to decay and erosion. Left untreated, these problems can lead to toothache and even early tooth removal. So it’s essential to keep your toddler’s teeth clean.

Starting to brush from an early age can help your toddler:

• remove daily plaque
• reduce the risk of tooth decay
• get used to the sensation of brushing
• learn how to take care of their teeth
• make brushing twice a day a part of their daily routine

How should I clean my toddler’s teeth?

Use these tips to support strong, healthy teeth in babies and toddlers up to age three.

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day. Once in the morning and again before bedtime is ideal.
• Choose an age-appropriate toothpaste. Check the label for one that contains at least 1,000 ppm fluoride for toddlers.
• Use a smear of toothpaste – roughly the size of a grain of rice.
• Sit your toddler on your lap, rest their head against your chest and cradle their chin.
• Use a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush with a small head and a handle that’s easy to grip.
• Brush in small circles covering all teeth and gums.
• Teach your child to spit instead of rinsing, so they don’t wash away the fluoride.
• Don’t let your toddler lick or swallow the toothpaste, or walk around with a toothbrush in their mouth.
• Make things fun with lots of games, songs and praise, and happily brush your teeth at the same time. There are lots of apps you can use to help.
• Change your toddler’s toothbrush every three months.
• Don’t let your toddler eat or drink anything other than water after brushing their teeth at night.

How else can I care for my toddler’s teeth?

A good teeth-cleaning routine isn’t the only way to keep your toddler’s teeth healthy. The following advice can also help.

• Limit how much and how often your toddler has sugary food and drinks. Keep these to mealtimes only, because grazing and snacking can lead to tooth decay and erosion.
• Only give breastmilk, formula or cooled boiled water in a baby bottle – never fruit juice or sugary drinks.
• Encourage your little one to drink from a free-flowing cup instead of a baby bottle by the time they’re one. Bottles coat the teeth with liquid for much longer. Only put water or milk into cups.
• Don’t leave a bottle or cup in your toddler’s mouth when they go to sleep.
• If your toddler needs medicine, ask your doctor for a sugar-free version.
• Never dip dummies into sugary liquids like fruit juice or honey, especially at bedtime. And don’t ‘clean’ a dummy in your mouth, as it can spread bacteria.
• Gently encourage your child to give up sucking their thumb or a dummy before their adult teeth start coming through around age six or seven. It can help avoid problems with how their permanent teeth grow and develop.

What age should my toddler go to the dentist?

The sooner you can introduce your toddler to the environment of the dentist, the better. It may even reduce their chance of developing a fear of the dentist later in life. So you might like to bring them along to your own dental appointments, and try to make it a fun and positive experience.

Once their first baby tooth has emerged, you can take your toddler for their very own check-up. It’s a good idea to take your toddler for a dental check-up every six months, and try not to leave it longer than a year. You can also ask your dentist exactly how often they’d like to see your toddler.

In the UK, dental care is free for children on the NHS. Or you can take them to a private dentist if you prefer.