Good oral health is very important for a child's growth and can affect their health. Starting good tooth brushing habits as soon as their first tooth comes in, which usually happens around six months old, can help prevent tooth decay and other problems later on.

As children grow, it's important to encourage them to spit out toothpaste instead of rinsing with water. Rinsing washes away the fluoride, which helps protect their teeth and keep them healthy.

Some top tips for teeth can be found below: 

• Use a smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste for babies and toddlers up to 3 years. 
• Use a pea sized amount of toothpaste for children aged 3 to 6. 
• Brush your child’s teeth last thing at night and on 1 other occasion. 
• Use a toothpaste with at least 1,000 ppm (parts per million) fluoride. 
• Replace your child's toothbrush every 3 months or sooner. 
• Encourage your child to spit out toothpaste and not swallow it. 
• Only give breastmilk, infant formula or cooled water in a bottle to your baby (water can be given at around 6 months old). 
• Use an open cup or a free-flow cup without a valve to help your baby learn to sip (it's also better for their teeth). 
• Keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes. 
• Ask a pharmacist or GP if there's a sugar-free option if your child needs medicine.

Looking after your baby’s teeth is important, but so is taking care of your own oral health. During pregnancy, you’re more vulnerable to gum disease. Remember, your NHS dental check-ups and treatments are free up to a year after your baby’s birth. 

Jeremy Marcantel, clinical lead for Havering 0-19 children’s services said:

“Small steps, like using the right amount of toothpaste and encouraging kids to spit out toothpaste rather than rinse, make a big difference in preventing decay and other dental issues later on.”

Follow the link to The Start for Life Dental Hygiene guide for more information.