Baby’s oral health

Baby’s oral health

Older baby holds baby toothbrush in their mouth

Brushing

  • Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they come through the gum – usually at around 6 months old.
  • Use a baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of family or baby toothpaste, containing at least 1000ppm fluoride.
  • Don’t rinse your baby’s mouth after brushing.
  • Brush your baby’s teeth twice a day – once at night and once during the day, usually in the morning.
NHS Oral health guidance for babies
Brushing for 0 to 3 year olds with Dr Ranj

Sugar

  • Too much sugar can harm your baby’s new teeth.
  • Only give water or milk to your baby to drink. Fresh fruit and vegetables provide your baby with all the sugar they need.
  • Try not to give any food containing extra sugar – if you do, makde sure it is with a meal and not as a snack.
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables are tooth-friendly snacks just like cheese, rice cakes, breadsticks and plain yogurt.

Dentist

National guidance advises that all babies should visit the dentist for the first time by their first birthday.