Good Habits – Teeth brushing

It is very important to create good early habits with regards to teeth brushing. This is something that our children will do for the rest of their lives so the sooner we start the sooner it becomes part of their day. Below are some tips for good practice with regards to teeth brushing and oral health.

• Introduce your baby to a toothbrush at a young age and definitely by the time that first tooth appears.
• Every baby should be registered with a dentist by the age of 6 months.
• Ensure their toothbrush is age appropriate. For babies choose a small soft brush that will feel comfortable in their mouth.
• Dentists advise Toothpaste should have at least 1000 ppm (parts per million) of fluoride.
• A small smear of toothpaste for babies and under 3’s. For children 3 Years and above a small pea sized amount is recommended.
• Parents should assist with tooth brushing until at least the age of 7. Beginning this young will help your child become used to you helping. When you have cleaned their teeth they can also have a turn, allowing them to show some independence.
• Brush your teeth with them. We all know how much our children want to emulate the adults around them. Let young children see this is a part of your routine also.
• For children not so keen, distraction can be key, play games, and have fun with it. Don’t avoid tooth brushing.

As important as the tooth brushing is, so are the food and drinks we allow them to have. Water and milk are the recommended drinks for children. Sugary drinks should be kept to a minimum for older children and not at all for babies and young children.

More information can be found at www.child-smile.org.uk