What you need to know about your child’s oral health

We need teeth to help us to eat, speak and smile! Children have 20 deciduous (baby) teeth which usually start to fall out when they are around six years old. They are replaced by 32 permanent teeth as they grow into adulthood.

Poor oral health can lead to stains, bad breath, tooth decay/loss, gum disease and many other health problems. These can be caused by incorrect brushing techniques and eating and drinking sugary food and drinks, but good dental hygiene and care of teeth and gums as a child can prevent most of these problems starting.

Baby teething chart.png

An illustration of an open mouth showing the position and name of the primary teeth. A chart shows the names of the teeth, when teething may start and when they may start to fall out ready for the permenant teeth.

Upper Teeth – Teething starts – Tooth Fairy Visits

  • Central incisor: 8–12 months – 6–7 years
  • Lateral incisor: 9–13 months – 7–8 years
  • Canine: 16–22 months – 10–12 years
  • First molar: 13–19 months – 9–11 years
  • Second molar: 25–33 months – 10–12 years

Lower Teeth – Teething starts – Tooth Fairy Visits

  • Central incisor: 6–10 months – 6–7 years
  • Lateral incisor: 10–16 months – 7–8 years
  • Canine: 17–23 months – 9–12 years
  • First molar: 14–18 months – 9–11 years
  • Second molar: 23–31 months – 10–12 years

It’s really important for your child to have a regular teeth-cleaning routine. Children need to be helped or supervised brushing their teeth until they are at least 7 years old.

Video: How do I brush my child’s teeth? (6 months to 7 years)

How to keep your teeth clean

  • Use an age-appropriate toothbrush, with a small head and soft to medium bristles. Teeth can be cleaned effectively with either a manual or powered toothbrush.
  • Use a child or family toothpaste with 1,350ppm-1,500ppm fluoride to prevent dental decay.
  • Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
  • Your child should brush their teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day; once just before bedtime and at least one other time during the day.
  • Make tooth brushing as fun as possible by using a timer or song to brush for at least 2 minutes. 
  • You may still guide your child’s hand so they can feel the correct movement. Brushing teeth using small, circular movements. Remind them to gently brush their gums and all the surfaces of their teeth (front, top and behind).
  • Use a mirror to help your child see where and how the brush is cleaning their teeth.
  • Help your child brush their teeth until they are at least 7 years old. This helps make sure they use the right amount of toothpaste and clean all their teeth properly.
  • Children aged 7 and over should be able to brush their own teeth, but it is still a good idea to watch them to make sure they brush properly and for at least 2 minutes.
  • Make sure they spit out excess toothpaste foam after brushing and don’t rinse – rinsing means the fluoride won’t work as well to protect the teeth.
  • Replace your child’s toothbrush around every 3 months or sooner if the bristles are not in good condition.

Diet

  • If you are giving your child foods or drinks containing sugar it is best to keep these to mealtimes to avoid dental caries/decay.
  • Lots of foods contain sugar – it is not just the obvious things like sweets and cakes. Cereals, crisps and children’s yoghurts also contain a lot of sugar.
  • If you do give drinks other than plain water or milk, dilute fruit juices with water.
  • Be careful if you are giving your child squashes, milkshakes or fizzy drinks as these can cause the wearing of teeth (known as erosion) because they have high acid and sugar content which can attack the teeth.
  • If your child needs medicine, ask the pharmacist or GP if there’s a sugar-free option.

Lifestyle

  • If your child plays contact sports, it is important they use a mouth guard. Speak to your dentist for advice on appropriate mouth guards to protect mouth and teeth.

Read more about how to look after your children’s teeth

  • Take your child for regular dental check-ups as advised by the dentist (at least once a year). Your dentist can give advice to help prevent decay and identify any oral health problems at an early stage.
  • NHS dental care for children is free.
  • More information on dental health can be found on nhs.uk. You can also find dental practice information using the NHS search feature.