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Children’s oral health

Advice on brushing, dentist visits, teething, and healthy habits to protect your child’s oral health in Essex.

How to protect your child’s teeth and build healthy habits for life

Children’s oral health in Essex is important for preventing tooth decay, pain, and infection. By helping your child brush properly, visit a dentist regularly, and develop healthy habits, you can protect their teeth and support their overall health and wellbeing.

This guide explains how to brush your child’s teeth, when to visit the dentist, and how healthy eating supports good oral health.

Brushing basics

Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

Brushing twice a day protects your child’s teeth from decay. Most importantly, brush their teeth last thing at night and at least once more during the day.

You should supervise brushing until your child can brush effectively on their own. In addition, make sure they brush for about two minutes and clean all tooth surfaces.

Good brushing habits play a vital role in supporting children’s oral health in Essex and preventing dental problems.

How much toothpaste to use

Using the correct amount of fluoride toothpaste protects teeth while keeping your child safe. Follow our specific guidance to protect your child’s oral health.

Start brushing when the first tooth appears, usually at around 6 months. Parents or carers should brush twice daily using toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride.

Use only a smear of toothpaste. In addition, encourage your child to spit out toothpaste and avoid swallowing it.

At this age, children still need supervision. Therefore, parents or carers should brush their child’s teeth or closely supervise them.

Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride. Encourage your child to spit out toothpaste and avoid rinsing, as fluoride continues to protect their teeth after brushing.

Older children can brush independently. However, you should continue to supervise brushing regularly.

Use toothpaste containing 1,350ppm to 1,500ppm fluoride. This level of fluoride helps protect children’s oral health in Essex by strengthening teeth and preventing decay.

How to help your child brush properly

Make brushing part of your daily routine

Children learn best through routine and encouragement. Therefore, making brushing enjoyable can help build lifelong habits.

You can support your child by:

  • Guiding their hand to show the correct brushing movement
  • Using a mirror so they can see their teeth clearly
  • Using a timer or playing a two-minute song
  • Brushing your teeth together as a family
  • Praising and encouraging them regularly

Above all, do not let children walk or run while brushing their teeth, as this can cause injury.

Supporting children with additional needs

Some children, including those with autism or sensory needs, may find tooth brushing difficult.

Helpful approaches include:

  • Using visual schedules or reward charts
  • Creating a calm and consistent routine
  • Using sensory-friendly toothbrushes
  • Introducing brushing gradually

Your dentist can provide tailored advice and support.

Visiting the dentist

NHS dental care for children is free

Regular dental visits help keep your child’s teeth healthy. Dentists can also identify problems early and provide treatment if needed.

Take your child to the dentist when their first tooth appears. After that, attend regular check-ups as advised.

Dental care for children under 18 is free on the NHS. These visits play an important role in supporting children’s oral health in Essex.

Find a dentist near you

Dental emergencies

Sometimes children experience dental injuries or pain. When this happens, contact a dentist as soon as possible.

For example:

  • Knocked-out tooth – keep the tooth moist in milk and see a dentist immediately.
  • Toothache – rinse the mouth with warm water and arrange a dental appointment.
  • Chipped or broken tooth – keep any pieces and contact your dentist promptly.

Quick action helps prevent further damage and supports recovery.

Healthy eating for healthy teeth

Reduce sugar and encourage healthy choices

Sugary foods and drinks increase the risk of tooth decay. Therefore, limiting sugar helps protect your child’s teeth.

Encourage:

  • Water between meals
  • Healthy meals and snacks
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • A balanced diet

However, try to limit sugary drinks, sweets, and frequent snacks.

Healthy eating supports children’s oral health and reduces the risk of dental disease.

How to help your baby during teething

Help your baby during teething

Teething usually starts at around 6 months. During this time, your baby may have sore gums, drooling, or irritability.

You can help by:

  • Giving safe teething toys
  • Using a cooled teething ring
  • Gently rubbing the gums

However, contact your GP or NHS 111 if your baby has a high temperature or seems unwell, as this may not be related to teething.

Building lifelong oral health habits

By caring for your child’s teeth early, you help protect their health now and in the future. Regular brushing, healthy eating, and routine dental visits all play an important role.

If you have concerns, speak to your dentist, GP, or pharmacist for advice and support.