Q: Why is oral healthcare so important?
Looking after your children's oral health is vital to taking care of their teeth, gums and, potentially, their overall health. Research increasingly points toward links between the mouth and the body, and there is evidence that poor oral health can lead to overall health problems later in life.
Inside the mouth itself, there is evidence that tooth decay is beginning to affect more children in the UK under five years old. The younger a child experiences their first dental cavity, the more it affects their lifetime oral health, so it is important to establish a good dental routine early to prevent that first cavity.
Q: How can I prepare for children's best oral healthcare?
Good oral healthcare actually begins during pregnancy, as gum disease in mothers during pregnancy has been linked to premature births. Underweight infants are more likely to then grow up with badly formed teeth.
So, while expecting, take care to brush teeth properly twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend, and eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium to help baby's bones and teeth.
It is important to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
Q: What about trips to the dentist?
It is best to discuss this with your dentist first. New mums could take their baby to their own routine check-up to help the baby get used to the surroundings before baby's check-ups start at about six months, when the first teeth appear.
Regular dental visits are a key part of everyone's dental health, so you and your child should visit the dentist as often as they recommend.
Encourage your child to enjoy dental trips and try not to let them think it is anything to worry about - children will only pick up any fears about dental visits from their parents, so try to support them so they are comfortable with regular visits.
Q: How do I encourage good oral healthcare?
It is important to introduce your child to good oral healthcare at an early age and help them establish a solid healthy routine.
Small babies' teeth should be cleaned by using a dab of paste on a suitable soft-bristled toothbrush or a piece of gauze on the end of the finger. Stand or sit behind your baby and cradle their chin while you gently brush their teeth in small circular movements. If possible make tooth-brushing a routine, preferably in the morning and last thing before your child goes to bed.
Fluoride pastes should be used, with fluoride at 1,000 parts per million (ppm) up to age three and normal strength family fluoride toothpaste at 1,350 ppm after that age. Look out for products approved by the Dental Health Foundation.
Supervision of brushing should continue until the age of seven, establishing the routine of twice daily brushing at two minutes a time.
It is important to make brushing teeth as fun as possible - try singing a song, or using products such as two-minute timers and fun brushes.
Q: What about diet?
When children move on to solid foods it is important to set up a balanced diet, avoiding sugary foods and drinks which can cause dental decay.
It is essential to keep sugary products to mealtimes. Remember that some baby foods contain high levels of sugar - it is worth checking ingredient lists, and the higher up the list that sugar is, the more there is in the product.
Savoury foods are far better than sugary foods for the teeth. A balanced diet including the major food groups is important, and don't forget to make sure children get their recommended five portions a day of vegetables and fruit.
Q: Are soothers bad for my child's teeth?
Young children will often rely on soothers but they should be weaned off these at a relatively young age as they could affect the development of your child's jaw.
It is important not to dip soothers in fruit juices or sugary fluids, as this will expose your child to the risk of dental erosion.
Further information
British Dental Health Foundation website, www.dentalhealth.org
National Dental Helpline, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 0845 0631188