Tooth decay is the most common oral disease affecting children and the Government has identified this as an area to be supported by nurseries and schools to promote good oral health from a young age.

Babies first teeth can come through at any time but generally by the age of 6 months most babies will have their first tooth.

One of the signs that your baby is teething is that they start to chew on their fingers, toys or other objects they get hold of.

If your baby is 6 months or older, you can give them healthy things to chew on, such as raw fruit and vegetables. Soft fruit like melon can soothe gums. 

You could also try giving your baby a crust of bread or a breadstick. 

It's best to avoid rusks because nearly all brands contain some sugar.

Avoid any foods that contain lots of sugar, as this can cause tooth decay, even if your child only has a few teeth.

Always watch when your baby is eating in case they choke.

Once baby's teeth appear it is recommended to use a soft toothbrush and water to clean the gums. It is important to get your baby used to brushing their teeth as part of their daily routine. You can use a fluoride toothpaste designed for young children.

It is recommended that babies should see the dentist on or before their first birthday so it is best to register with a dentist when their teeth start coming through.

The baby teeth grow until the child is around 3 years old, then are replaced by adult teeth around the age of 6.


More advice and tips on how to deal with teething can be found on the following links:

Tips for helping your teething baby - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Looking after your baby's teeth - NHS (www.nhs.uk)