Toddlers and Preschoolers (6months - 5 years)

Oral Care Tips for Toddlers

Babies' first teeth typically appear between 6-12 months, marking the beginning of dental care. It's essential to start cleaning their teeth as soon as they emerge.

Brushing Guidelines

• Start Early: Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, typically around six months. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush
• Frequency: Brush twice daily, especially before bedtime, for about two minutes with the help of a parent or caregiver. Supervise brushing until at least age seven
• Toothpaste Amount: For children under three, use a small smear; for ages three and older, a pea-sized amount (1350-1500 ppm fluoride).

Top Tip: Make brushing enjoyable by using songs or timers to encourage your child to develop this healthy habit.

Healthy Drinking and Eating Habits

• Transition to Cups: Introduce a free-flow cup around 6 months and aim to transition away from bottles by 12 months
• Primary Drinks: Encourage water and milk as the primary drinks, avoiding sugary drinks between meals
• Healthy Snacks: Offer tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, raw vegetables, and plain yogurt. Limit sugary snacks to mealtimes to reduce prolonged exposure to sugar and acid.

Safe Drink Choices

Only offer plain water or milk between meals. Dilute any juices and keep sugary drinks for mealtimes only. Avoid adding sugar to weaning foods or drinks.

Medicines and Teething Comfort

• If your child needs medication, ask for sugar-free varieties to protect their teeth
• Use teething rings, cold washcloths, or gentle gum massages to soothe sore gums. Avoid sugary foods or drinks for comfort.

Top Tips for Healthy Little Teeth

• Limit Sugars: Keep fresh fruit juices and dried fruits to mealtimes to avoid prolonged sugar exposure. Offer non-food rewards like stickers or small toys instead of sweets
• Pre-Bedtime Rules: Avoid giving sugary foods or drinks within one hour of bedtime, as saliva flow decreases during sleep, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.

Taking Your Baby to the Dentist

Introduce your child to dental appointments early. NHS dental treatment for children is free, but availability may vary. You can find a dentist using the NHS services search or by contacting NHS England.

Teething Symptoms

Teething typically begins around 6 months. While some babies experience discomfort, others may show few signs. Common symptoms include:

• Sore and red gums
• A mild temperature of less than 38°C
• Flushed cheeks
• Increased drooling and chewing on objects
• Sleep disturbances

Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about your child's symptoms.

Order of Baby Teeth Appearance

Here's a rough guide to the order in which baby teeth typically emerge:

• Bottom Incisors: 5 to 7 months
• Top Incisors: 6 to 8 months
• Top Lateral Incisors: 9 to 11 months
• Bottom Lateral Incisors: 10 to 12 months
• First Molars: 12 to 16 months
• Canines: 16 to 20 months
• Second Molars: 20 to 30 months

Most children will have all their milk teeth by the time they are between two and three years old.