Dental health (Easy Read)

Tooth decay is a dental disease.

It is the most common dental disease for toddlers, children and young people.  

Every child who has teeth can get tooth decay. 

You should take your baby to the dentist before they turn one.  

Brush their teeth as soon as they appear.  

Do this once a day and before bed.  

Use a small brush with soft bristles.  

Use toothpaste that has 1,350 to 1,500ppm of fluoride.

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth.

Use a smear of toothpaste.  

Afterwards, your child should spit the toothpaste out.  

Do not rinse their mouth with water.  

Introduce a free flow cup from 6 months old.

Aim to stop bottle feeding by the time they are 1 year old.

Milk and water are the best drinks for your child and their teeth.  

Give your child a healthy, balanced diet.  

Do this from 6 months old.  

Limit sugary food and drink to mealtimes.  

Do not add sugar or honey to their food or drink.  

Ask for sugar-free medicines. 

Supervise your child cleaning their teeth.  

They should brush their teeth 2 times every day.  

Do this during the day and before bed. 

Use a pea sized amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush.

They should brush their teeth for 2 minutes. 

After brushing, your child should spit the toothpaste out. 

They should not rinse their mouth with water. 

Give your child a healthy, balanced diet.

Limit sugary food and drink to mealtimes.

Download the free Brush DJ App.  

The app plays two minutes of music to time brushing.

It sets reminders for brushing.  

It also sets reminders for visiting the dentist. 

Download a toothbrushing diary for your child. 

Find out more about:

• children’s teeth
• eating well