Children's Dental Challenges in the UK
Helping children develop good oral hygiene habits can be a challenge. While encouraging regular brushing can be difficult enough, getting children to clean between their teeth is often even harder, especially when many adults struggle with it 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 and diet.
Dental care for children under the NHS is free, and regular check-ups are essential to monitor development and prevent tooth decay.
Brushing and cleaning 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 carry out 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.
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Children (7+ years): Brush twice daily for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste (1,350–1,500 ppm). Parents should continue to supervise until children can brush thoroughly on their own.
Children should spit out toothpaste but not rinse, as rinsing reduces the effectiveness of fluoride
Make flossing easier (and fun) for children
Cleaning between teeth can be tricky for children, particularly once orthodontic treatment begins. Tools like Waterpik™ Water Flossers may help, as they are clinically proven to reduce plaque and gingivitis. However, children should always be closely supervised when using these devices to ensure safe and correct use.
For children aged 6 and above, and for those with special needs, extra guidance and supervision are especially important.
Additional preventive treatments
- Fluoride varnish: From age 3, children should be offered fluoride varnish at least twice a year to strengthen enamel and help prevent decay.
- Fissure sealants: These can be applied to permanent molars from around age 6 to protect against cavities.
Final tips
- Make brushing fun with timers, apps, or reward charts.
- Avoid sugary snacks and drinks between meals.
- Encourage water or milk instead of sweetened drinks.
- Take your child for regular dental check-ups — at least once every 6 to 12 months.
➡ For NHS advice, see NHS – Children’s teeth.