All parents want to give their child the best start in life, and a healthy, happy smile is a big part of that. They won’t lose all their baby teeth until they’re heading to secondary school, so starting good habits early can make a world of difference. Happy healthy smiles lead to happy children and families with no toothache and no tooth extractions!
Una Monaghan BDS Msc.
Barnardo’s Oral Health Advisor.
Una’s three top tips to prevent tooth decay
- Encourage children to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. (Remind them to spit, not rinse, so the fluoride can work its magic!)
- Try to limit sugary treats to mealtimes and swap sugary drinks for water or milk.
- Offer snacks like fresh fruit, breadsticks, or cheese, but just be mindful that dried fruits, like raisins, can cause tooth decay.
