What is Teeth Care?

Teeth care for children involves

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups to prevent tooth decay and other dental problems.

This includes using fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and seeking professional dental care. 

How Can I Help My Child?

Brushing:

  • Frequency: Brush at least twice a day, when you get up in the morning and especially before bed. 
  • Technique: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. 
  • Duration: Brush for about 2 minutes. 
  • Supervision: Adults should supervise brushing until children are 7 years old to ensure proper technique. 
  • Toothpaste: Use a toothpaste containing 1,000ppm (parts per million) fluoride or higher. 

Dental Checkups

  • Frequency: See a dentist regularly, ideally every 6 months. 
  • Purpose: Regular checkups allow dentists to identify and address any potential problems early on. 
  • Early Visits: The first dental visit should be within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, or by 12 months of age. 

Diet

  • Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Reduce the intake of sugary snacks and drinks to prevent tooth decay. 
  • Water: Ensure your child is drinking water, which helps strengthen teeth, throughout the day.

Reminders

  • Proper Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste, according to the NHS. 
  • Spit, Don’t Rinse: After brushing, have children spit out the toothpaste but don’t rinse, as rinsing can wash away the fluoride. 
  • Replace Toothbrushes Regularly: Replace toothbrushes every 3 months or sooner. 
  • Be Patient: Establishing good oral hygiene habits takes time and patience. 

Dental Care for Children in the UK

  • Dental care is generally free for children in the UK through the National Health Service (NHS)
  • Children under 18 and those under 19 who are in full-time education are eligible for free NHS dental treatment. This includes routine check-ups, fillings, and other general dental care. 
  • Additionally, pregnant women and new mothers (within 12 months of giving birth) also qualify for free dental care. 

The NHS Find a dentist tool

The tool allows you to search for local dental practices. You can enter a town, city, or postcode to find dentists in your area. The search results will include the address and contact details of each practice, and whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. 

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist/

Click on NHS Logo to goto the site.