Oral health for babies: birth to 3 years old
Your health visitor or public health nurse will introduce you to Childsmile. They will give you oral health advice and provide you with a free toothbrush and 1000ppm fluoride toothpaste. They can also help you find a dental practice in your area.
What's happening to our children's teeth - film
Read the transcript for this film 'what's happening to our children's teeth'
Your health visitor or public health nurse may also introduce you to a Childsmile Dental Health Support Worker who might visit you at home and give you help and guidance on looking after your child’s teeth.
With their support and advice your child can grow up with healthy teeth and a confident smile. It is important to keep teeth healthy right from the beginning to avoid pain, infection and the need to take teeth out under general anaesthetic.
First teeth need to fall out naturally (the last baby tooth will not normally fall out until the child is about 12 years old). Early loss of milk teeth can lead to crowding when adult teeth come through and can mean lengthy corrective treatment in later years.