Oral hygiene needs to start from as soon as your baby shows their first teeth and the good news is that it’s relatively easy to ensure that your little one’s new pearly whites remain in a healthy condition. As with most things when it comes to babies, it’s all about establishing a routine and getting them used to having their teeth brushed. Don’t worry if they’re reluctant at first - they’ll soon get the hang of it all. It might be a good idea for you to let them see you brushing your own teeth first before you do theirs, so they know it’s nothing to worry about. For babies up to three years old, just use a tiny little smear of paste and a pea-sized amount for children between three and six years old. Try sitting your little one on your lap or knee, with their head resting against your chest. Brush in small circles, making sure that all surfaces are covered, then do your best to encourage your child to spit the toothpaste out. It might help your child to get to grips with it all if you make a game out of it, so try to make it as fun as possible. And you should supervise tooth brushing twice a day until your child is at least seven years old, so you know they’re doing it properly. Practising healthy habits from an early age is a good idea, as it means it’s more likely that your child will continue with these habits as they get older. Tooth decay in five-year-olds is on the rise in some parts of England. See more on the Royal College of Surgeons of England website now.
