Kids Dental Challenges in the UK
Helping children develop good oral hygiene habits can be a real challenge for parents. While encouraging regular brushing is often difficult enough, getting kids to floss consistently can be even harder - especially when many adults don’t floss themselves.
Get an Early Start
The NHS recommends that children visit a dentist as soon as their first milk tooth appears - usually around 6 months old—and no later than their first birthday
This early visit helps children become familiar with the dental environment and allows dentists to offer tailored advice on brushing, flossing, and dietary habits.
Dental care for children under the NHS is free, and regular check-ups are essential to monitor development and prevent decay.
Brushing and Flossing Guidelines
- Babies (0–2 years): Start brushing with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000 ppm fluoride) as soon as the first tooth erupts. Parents should do the brushing.
- Children (3–6 years): Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1,000–1,500 ppm). Children can begin brushing with supervision.
- Children (7+ years): Brush twice daily for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste (1,350–1,500 ppm). Parents should continue to supervise brushing until children can do it effectively on their own.
Children should spit out toothpaste but not rinse, as rinsing reduces the effectiveness of fluoride
Make Flossing Easier (and Fun) for Kids
Flossing can be tricky for children, especially when they begin orthodontic treatment. Tools like WaterpikTM Water Flossers may help, as they are clinically proven to reduce plaque and gingivitis. However, children should be closely supervised when using such devices to ensure safe and proper use.
For children aged 6 and above, and for those with special needs, it's important to instruct and supervise them carefully when using flossers or other dental appliances.
Additional Preventive Treatments
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Fluoride varnish: From age 3, children should be offered fluoride varnish at least twice a year to strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
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Fissure sealants: These can be applied to permanent molars from around age 6 to protect against cavities.
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Fissure sealants: These can be applied to permanent molars from around age 6 to protect against cavities.
Final Tips
- Make brushing fun - use timers, apps, or reward charts.
- Avoid sugary snacks and drinks between meals.
- Encourage drinking water or milk instead of sweetened beverages.
- Take your child for regular dental check-ups - at least once every 6 to 12 months.