Caring for Children's Teeth 

A lovely smile with sparkling teeth looks great and will give a child confidence. Fortunately you can keep them in tip-top condition, so get your children into the good habits outlined in this leaflet, and they will have healthy teeth for life.

TOP TIPS for great teeth

Brush first thing in the morning and last thing at night with flouride toothpaste every day.

Well brushed teeth can cope with about five separate eating and drinking occasions a day, for example three meals and two snacks and still be healthy.

Eat or drink all in one go rather than nibbling or sipping.

No food in bed and only water to drink.

Make friends with the dentist and visit regularly.

Which toothbrush?

A childs brush needs to be fairly soft, and small enough to reach all the nooks and crannies of the mouth. It should be changed about every three months or as soon as it becomes worn.

What children eat

All sources of sugar including packet sugar, honey and any food or drink containing them can feed the plaque bacteria which cause acid attacks. Similarly any food or drink containing acids can directly affect teeth. These include fruit juices, squashes, all types of fizzy drinks, fruit, yoghurt, pickles and even tomato sauce!

However, if all these foods and drinks were cut out from the diet, it would become unbalanced and less enjoyable. Eating five times a day is about right, for example three meals and two snacks. Try to keep sweet foods, soft drinks and fruit juices limited to these occasions.

If your child likes frequent drinks, give mild or water at other times. It is also important that children do not hold drinks in their mouths or swish them through their teeth.