06/08/2026
Brush your child's teeth twice daily for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste containing 1,000ppmā1,500ppm of fluoride and an age-appropriate toothbrush. Use small circular motions, making sure to clean all surfaces of the teeth and gums. Adults should help or supervise brushing until the child is at least 7 years old.
Always brush last thing at night and on one other occasion. After brushing, encourage your child to spit out the excess toothpaste. Do not have them rinse with water, as this washes away the fluoride protection.
For optimal dental health, the Department of Health recommends children stick to plain milk and tap water, as these are the safest choices for developing teeth. Avoid or strictly limit the following drinks, which are considered highly damaging due to their high sugar content and acidity
⢠Fizzy Drinks & Pop: Sodas (like Cola, Fanta, and Irn-Bru) and energy drinks erode enamel and cause cavities. Even sugar-free and diet fizzy drinks are highly acidic.
⢠Fruit Juice & Smoothies: 100% unsweetened juices and smoothies are acidic and packed with natural sugars. The department of health advises keeping any pure fruit juice to mealtimes and diluting it half-and-half with water.
⢠Squash & Flavoured Water: Most standard and "no added sugar" squashes contain artificial sweeteners and acids. If using squash, dilute it heavily (1 part juice to 10 parts water) and serve only with meals.
⢠Flavoured Milks: Chocolate, strawberry, and banana milkshakes contain significant amounts of hidden sugars and should only be given during mealtimes.
⢠Baby Juices & "Baby Drinks": Often marketed as infant-friendly, these frequently contain hidden sugars that bathe the teeth in formula bottles.
Children should visit the dentist regularly from around the time their first teeth has erupted.