Good, healthy baby teeth will pave the way for good healthy adult teeth. And by helping children to take good care of their teeth, you are starting habits that will last them all their lives.

Sugar and sugary foods can be a tooth’s worst enemy. For good dental health cut down on how often a baby eats sugary foods and drink.

It’s a good idea to supervise your child’s brushing until the age of 6, following the guidelines below

• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, brush inside surfaces of all teeth first, where plaque accumulates most.
• Clean all outside surfaces of teeth.

Milk and water are the most tooth friendly drinks you can give your child.

Encourage your child to eat foods that are calcium rich i.e. milk, cheese and yoghurt.

Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears using a small soft toothbrush and water only.

By 2 – 2 1/2 years old your child will have a full set of 20 teeth, 10 top and 10 bottom teeth. These will start to be replaced at about 6 years of age with permanent teeth.