You should start teaching children about dental hygiene as soon as their first tooth appears, as early habits can make looking after their teeth feel like a normal part of everyday life rather than something they only think about when there is a problem.
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It can be tempting to think that baby teeth do not matter because they eventually fall out, but they still need proper care. Children use their first teeth for eating and speaking, while healthy baby teeth also help create the right conditions for their permanent teeth to develop. Starting good habits early can therefore make a real difference as children grow.
When Should You Start Brushing Your Child’s Teeth?
Once your child’s first tooth appears, brushing should become part of their daily routine. The NHS recommends brushing children’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, with brushing particularly important before bed. As children get older, they can gradually become more involved, but parents should continue supervising and helping until they can brush effectively themselves.
For younger children, the routine does not need to be complicated. An age appropriate toothbrush, the correct amount of fluoride toothpaste and a consistent morning and evening routine are a good starting point.
The biggest challenge for many parents is getting children to cooperate. Making brushing predictable can help. Letting them choose their toothbrush, brushing together or turning it into part of the bedtime routine can make the experience feel less like a chore.
Why Do Early Dental Habits Matter?
There is a good reason to take these habits seriously. According to the latest National Dental Epidemiology Programme survey, 22.4% of five year old children in England had experienced obvious dentinal decay in their primary teeth in 2024.
That figure shows that tooth decay is not simply an issue for teenagers or adults. Young children can develop problems surprisingly early, particularly when brushing is inconsistent or teeth are frequently exposed to sugary foods and drinks.
Dental hygiene is also about more than avoiding cavities. Children are learning how to care for their mouths for life, so teaching them to brush properly, clean around their gums and understand why their teeth need looking after gives them a useful foundation for adulthood.
And while good habits in childhood can help prevent future problems, adults should also remember that professional dental care is important for themselves when problems arise, including seeking appropriate support to treat gum disease or tooth decay.
Should Parents Take Their Children To The Dentist?
Yes, regular dental visits should form part of a child’s routine rather than being reserved for when something hurts. Early appointments can help children become comfortable in the dental environment while allowing potential problems to be spotted before they become more serious.
Parents can also ask their dental team for advice about brushing techniques, fluoride toothpaste, diet and any concerns they have about their child’s teeth. Depending on their needs, dental hygienist appointments may also form part of maintaining good oral health, although the dentist can advise on what is appropriate for each child.
It is worth remembering that prevention is generally easier than treatment. The 2024 survey found that 26.9% of five year olds in England had experience of either enamel or dentinal decay, demonstrating how common early signs of dental problems can be.
What Can Parents Do At Home?
Consistency is probably the most useful thing parents can provide. Children may resist brushing one evening and embrace it the next, but keeping the routine going helps establish it as something that simply happens every day.
Parents should also pay attention to snacks and drinks between meals. Sugary foods and drinks can contribute to tooth decay, particularly when teeth are exposed to them frequently throughout the day. Water and tooth friendly snacks can therefore be useful choices between meals.
It is also important for parents to model good habits themselves. Children notice what adults do, so seeing Mum or Dad brush, floss and attend dental appointments can make oral hygiene seem like a normal part of looking after yourself.
Good Habits Start Earlier Than You Think
Dental hygiene should not begin when a child starts school or becomes old enough to understand why brushing matters. It starts with the first tooth and develops gradually through everyday family routines.
By helping children brush properly, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, attending regular dental appointments and making oral hygiene a normal part of family life, parents can give their children a much stronger start.
