Caring for your child's teeth

Looking after your child's teeth can be tricky, particularly as they grow so quickly – how do you know which type of toothbrush is best? How can you clean their teeth properly?

Here are some tips and tricks to look after your little one's pearly whites.


If your child is under 18 months and teething, look for a soft toothbrush with a small brush head and use plain water.

If they are 2 or older, it's a good idea to introduce a children's toothpaste which contains a safe amount of fluoride to help prevent their growing teeth from decay.

Remember, the toothpaste you use and the toothpaste they use are made differently, so avoid using adult toothpaste with your kids. There are ranges of children's toothpaste designed for kids under 7, so you can rest assured that you're using the right products.



Q: What type of toothbrush should my toddler be using?

Forming good oral care habits from an early age is important, but so is recognising that your child's teeth need different care and products to your teeth. Using age appropriate products is essential.

There are many types of toothbrushes designed for kids at every age. To help get the right brush for your toddler, look for a brush that has a small cushioned head (this will help protect their tender gums) and an easy-to-hold grip handle. This will help them as they learn to brush their teeth on their own.

To help make brushing more fun, parents can look for toothbrushes with their child's favourite cartoon characters on them.



Q: Should I tell my children about the tooth fairy?

There's nothing wrong with telling your children about the tooth fairy – it can make it more exciting for them when they start to lose their baby teeth.

The tooth fairy can help encourage good brushing habits by rewarding your child for leaving healthy teeth to collect.



Q: How do I look after my child’s teeth when teething?

When babies start teething, it's important to understand that their teeth need caring for straight away. There are products designed for children aged from four months which include a very gentle brush that gently cleans and massages baby teeth and gums, helping to make the task a little less daunting.

Before teeth come through, try using a clean wash cloth to gently wipe over your baby's gums. This can help prevent problems like decay and plaque build-up as their pearly whites grow.

There are different ways to help your baby through the teething process from topical over-the-counter treatments to teething rings. These can help soothe them if they're experiencing discomfort.



Q: What are the best foods to eat for good oral health?

There are food habits your child can adopt to help maintain good oral health.

    Lollies, particularly sticky sweets that cling to your teeth, should be kept to a minimum where possible. Instead of lollies give your child fresh fruit pieces or plain popcorn; the acidity levels are lower in these foods and they can reduce the chance of plaque build-up.
    Acidic drinks like soft drinks, sports drinks and fruit juices are not only high in sugar but can affect the tooth enamel. In some cases this can cause holes or enamel erosion. Try swapping these drinks for water where possible.
    Water can wash away the acidity of food eaten throughout the day. Tap water gives the added benefit of protecting the teeth because often it contains fluoride. Why not make use of the water bottles at home and fill them from the tap to have on hand in the fridge or school bag.
    Dairy foods like cheese and yoghurt are another good option as they help regulate the acidity caused by the sugary sweets and treats the young ones often like to eat. Best of all, these are easy items to pack in the lunch box which will save you time in planning their lunches.


Little tricks like these are simple ways for your child to form good habits and protect their teeth, and will give you the peace of mind knowing that their teeth have been looked after during the day.