Babies and toddlers
- Wipe gums with a soft clean cloth after feeds
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, with a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste
- Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice
- Plan the first dental visit around the first birthday
Watch: kids' dental care
All videosExtra teeth (supernumerary teeth) seen on a 3D scan
Supernumerary teeth are extra teeth beyond the normal set. This 3D scan shows extra teeth in the upper jaw (marked) and how they sit among the regular teeth.
About this video
Children aged 3 and up
- Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, twice a day
- Help with brushing until about age 7 to 8
- Keep sweets and sugary drinks to mealtimes
- Book check-ups every six months
Making visits comfortable
We explain each step in simple words and let children see and touch the instruments first. A calm first experience helps children feel at ease at the dentist for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
How often should my child see the dentist?
Usually every six months, so small problems are caught early.
Are sweets the only cause of cavities?
How often children eat sugar matters more than how much. Frequent snacking and sipping sugary drinks keep teeth under attack all day.
Treatments that can help
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. For advice about your own teeth, please book a visit.