Dental hygiene tips for children

This page is awaiting clinical review by Dr. Renuka.

Healthy habits that start early can last a lifetime. Milk (baby) teeth may eventually fall out, but they play an important role in chewing, speech and holding space for the adult teeth. Decay in milk teeth can cause pain, infection and missed school days, so caring for them matters.

The good news is that much tooth decay in children can be prevented with a few simple routines at home and regular dental visits.

Start before the first tooth

Even before teeth appear, you can gently wipe your baby's gums with a clean, soft, damp cloth after feeds. This helps your baby get used to having their mouth cleaned. Once the first tooth comes through, start brushing with a soft, small-headed toothbrush.

Brushing at different ages

• Brush twice a day, including last thing at night before bed
• For children under three, a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) is commonly recommended
• For children aged three to six, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is commonly recommended
• Encourage children to spit out the toothpaste rather than rinse with lots of water, so some fluoride stays on the teeth
• Help or supervise brushing until your child can brush well on their own, often around seven or eight years of age

A simple tip: brush in small circles, covering the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of every tooth. Some families find a two-minute song or timer helps. Your dentist can show you and your child the best technique.

Food, drinks and sugar

How often children have sugar matters as much as how much they have. Each time sugar is eaten, the bacteria in plaque produce acid that can attack the teeth. Frequent snacking or sipping on sweet drinks gives teeth less time to recover.

• Keep sweets, biscuits and sugary drinks to mealtimes where possible
• Offer water or plain milk between meals
• Choose snacks such as fruit, vegetables, plain yoghurt or paneer
• Avoid putting a baby or toddler to sleep with a bottle of milk, juice or sweetened drink
• Be aware that packaged juices and flavoured drinks can contain a lot of sugar

Your child's first dental visit

Common paediatric dental guidance recommends a first dental visit by the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits are usually short and gentle. They help your child get familiar with the dentist and allow any early signs of decay to be spotted.

Talk about the visit in a calm, positive way. Try to avoid words that may sound frightening, and do not use the dentist as a threat. Reading a simple picture book about visiting the dentist can also help.

Signs to look out for

• White, chalky patches or brown spots on the teeth
• Your child complaining of tooth pain, or avoiding chewing on one side
• Swelling of the gums or face
• Bleeding gums when brushing
• A tooth that has been knocked, chipped or has changed colour

If you notice any of these, book a dental appointment so the dentist can take a look. If your child has facial swelling that is spreading, a fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek urgent medical care.

Habits and sports

Thumb-sucking and dummy use are common in young children and often stop on their own. If the habit continues as the adult teeth come through, mention it to your dentist. If your child plays contact sports, ask whether a mouthguard may be advisable.

Make it a family routine

Children learn by watching. Brushing your own teeth alongside your child, keeping regular checkups for the whole family, and making healthy food choices together can make good habits feel normal.