Tooth brushing should be started as soon as teeth appear. In young children, think of tooth brushing as a way of getting fluoride toothpaste into their mouths. If your child won’t let you brush properly - don’t worry, in young children fluoride is more important for preventing decay than actual cleaning.

 Use only a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1,000-ppm fluoride.

 Use the right sized toothbrush for your child’s mouth.

 Brush twice a day (last thing at night and one other time).

 Encourage your child to spit out after brushing - try and avoid rinsing as this washes the fluoride toothpaste away.

Babies and infants go through several important milestones with regard to eating and drinking during the first few years of life. The wrong choices can lead to dental decay and early loss of teeth.

 From six months of age babies should be introduced to drinking from a cup, and from one year onwards try to stop feeding from a bottle.

 If your child has teeth, don’t let them go to sleep at night with a bottle containing anything other than water.

 Don’t add sugar to weaning foods.

 Try to avoid giving babies or infants sugary drinks - water or milk should be sufficient.

 Try to give your child sugary food and drinks with mealtimes, and not more than four times per day.

It’s important your child gets used to going to the dentist, so set them a good example by making sure you attend for regular check-ups yourself and letting them watch.