Smile Please

How to keep that toothy grin healthy and clean with top tips from the British Dental Association.

When will my baby's teeth appear?
Your baby should start teething at around 6 months old and will continue until all 20 baby teeth are in the mouth at around two years of age.

Most children suffer some teething pains, and there are special teething gels that you can use to help reduce the pain. You can apply the gel using your finger, and gently massage it onto your baby's gums.

Teething rings can also help to soothe your baby. Certain teething rings can be cooled in the fridge, which may help. But, as teething pains can vary, it is best to check with your dentist or health visitor.

Can I have free treatment?
If you are registered as an NHS patient and have a current maternity exemption certificate you are entitled to free routine dental treatment until your baby's first birthday. If you are a private patient an exemption from charges does not apply, it is important to discuss treatment and costs with your dentist before you start any treatment.

When should I take my baby to the dentist for the first time?
It is best to discuss this with your dentist first, but you could take your baby to your own routine check-up. This can help the baby to get used to the surroundings. Your dentist will be able to offer advice and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. The baby's own check-ups can start at about 6 months.

Children, just like mum and dad, need regular dental check-ups, as often as the dentist recommends.

Does breast-feeding affect my baby's teeth?
The World Health Organisation recommends that, where possible, babies should be fed only on breast milk until they are 6 months old. There is research to suggest that breast-feeding for long periods can, in some cases, lead to tooth decay in your baby due to the natural sugars in breast milk. However, it is widely accepted that breast milk is the best food for your baby.

What about bottle-feeding?
Where a child is bottle fed, you must sterilise the bottle properly. Never add sugar or put sugary drinks into the bottle.

Bottle-feeding with drinks containing sugar can lead to tooth decay. A baby is not born with a sweet tooth and will only have a taste for sugar if it is given at an early age.

When should I stop bottle feeding?
Early weaning can help stop your baby from developing problems with their teeth that can be caused by drinking from a bottle.

Try to get your baby to drink from a specially designed cup by the time they are about 6 months old, or when they are able to sit up and can hold things on their own.

What about diet?
Savoury foods such as cheese, pasta and vegetables are better than sweet foods. Food that doesn't contain sugar is better for your baby's teeth. Ask your health visitor for more advice about a balanced diet for your baby.

A balanced diet is essential for your child's oral health. Tooth decay is caused by acid attacks on the tooth's enamel and dentine from sugary foods or drinks. Taking sugary snacks or drinks too often means that the enamel will be weakened and is at a higher risk of dental decay.

A balanced diet including the major food groups is important; if your child has a drink in between meals it is important to have only still water or milk.

The Foundation backs the recommended five a day vegetables and fruit portions, and you can talk to your health visitor about a suitable diet for further advice.

When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth?
As soon as teething has started you should start cleaning your child's teeth, introducing a small headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste as soon as possible.

Up until age 3 toothpastes should contain fluoride at 1,000 parts per million. After this age, a 1,350 parts per million fluoride toothpaste can be used. Children should be supervised when brushing teeth until the age of 7, and encouraged to get into the habit of brushing twice a day for two minutes at a time.

For help from expert advisers, call the Foundation's National Dental Helpline on 0845 063 1188, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Visit: www.dentalhealth.org