Your health visitor will introduce you to Childsmile. They will give you oral health advice and provide you with free toothbrushes and toothpaste with at least 1000 parts per million (ppm) fluoride. They may also provide advice on available dental practices in your area.
What’s happening to our children’s teeth – film
Read the transcript for this film ‘what’s happening to our children’s teeth’
Your health visitor may also introduce you to a Dental Health Support Worker who can contact you to arrange a visit either in person or remotely.
With their support and advice your child can grow up with healthy teeth and a confident smile. It is important to keep teeth healthy right from the beginning to avoid pain, infection and the need to take teeth out under general anaesthetic.
First teeth need to fall out naturally (the last baby tooth will not normally fall out until the child is about 12 years old). Early loss of baby teeth can lead to crowding when adult teeth come through and can mean lengthy corrective treatment in later years.