Oral health

Help keep your kids’ teeth decay-free with these tips.

Children aged 3 -12 years

Tooth brushing

• Brush teeth before bed and once more each day. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste containing1450ppm flouride – check on the box. Use a small, medium-bristle toothbrush. Brush for two minutes with a manual or electric toothbrush.
• An adult should help until at least age 7.
• Spit out toothpaste, don’t rinse.

This leaves a protective layer of flouride on the teeth.

Diet and drinks

• Sugar can harm teeth. Save sugary food and drinks to mealtimes only.
• Best drinks: water or milk. Avoid brushing right after soft drinks or fruit.
• Best snacks: fruit, veg, or savoury foods.
• Save sweets and cake for mealtimes. Use stickers, not sweets, as rewards.
• Ask for sugar-free medicine.

Teenagers

• Brush twice a day – before bed and once more.
• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1450ppm).
• Use a small toothbrush with medium bristles.
• Don’t rinse – just spit.
• Ask your dentist about cleaning between teeth.

Diet and drinks

Too much sugar = tooth decay.

Best drinks: water or milk.

• Soft drinks and fruit are acidic – don’t brush straight after consuming them.
• Best snacks: fruit, veg, or savoury foods.
• Save sugary drinks, sweets, cakes and chocolates to mealtimes.
• Sugar has many names: honey, syrup, glucose – all harm teeth.
• Ask for sugar-free medicine.
• Drink through a straw to limit acid erosion on teeth.

People should have a dental check-up every 6 months, but some may not need to go so often and others may need more frequent checks. Dental care is free until the age of 18.

Additional information and support

Save kids from sugar

See how your child’s sugar adds up with the quick and easy sugar check.

www.savekidsfromsugar.co.uk

NHS website (search ‘children’s teeth)

www.nhs.uk