Giving Little Teeth the Best Start

From birth to age five, your child’s mouth is growing and changing quickly. In Grimsby, children experience higher levels of tooth decay than the national average, but together we can change this. Early oral health is not about being perfect – it’s about small, simple steps that fit into real family life.

Tooth decay happens when germs in the mouth feed on sugars in food and drink, producing acids that slowly weaken the tooth surface. Over time, this can cause holes (cavities), pain, infections and difficulty eating or sleeping. The good news is that decay is largely preventable with everyday habits at home.

Baby teeth matter a lot. They help your child chew, speak clearly and smile with confidence. They also hold space for the adult teeth growing underneath. If baby teeth are badly decayed or removed too early, it can affect how adult teeth come through and may lead to crowding or the need for more treatment later on.

Some common myths can make parents feel unsure. One myth is that “baby teeth don’t matter because they fall out anyway.” In reality, decay in baby teeth can be painful and upsetting for children, and can affect their eating, sleep and learning. Another myth is that “only sweets cause decay.” Sugary drinks, frequent snacks and even some baby foods can also contribute, especially if teeth are not brushed regularly.

Healthy habits from the very start make a big difference. You can begin caring for your baby’s mouth even before the first tooth appears by gently wiping their gums with a clean, damp cloth. As soon as the first tooth comes through, start brushing twice a day with a small, soft toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste suitable for their age.

From ages one to five, try to brush morning and night, especially before bed, when saliva flow is lower and teeth are more at risk. Brushing together can turn it into a fun routine – singing a song, using a timer or letting your child “have a turn” can all help. Regular check-ups with a dentist or local dental service in Grimsby will also support you and catch any problems early.

Remember, none of this is about blame. Many parents were never shown how to look after little teeth, and life with young children is busy and tiring. Every small change – an extra brushing, one less sugary drink, a first dental visit – is a positive step. We are here to support you, answer questions and help your child grow up with a healthy, happy smile.

Daily Oral Hygiene Guide for Ages 0–5


When to Start Brushing

From birth: Gently wipe gums once a day with a clean, damp cloth or soft finger brush.

First tooth: Start brushing twice a day as soon as the first tooth appears (usually around 6 months).

By age 1: Your child should have a simple daily routine: morning and bedtime brushing.

How Often to Brush

  • Babies (0–2 years): Brush twice a day – once in the morning and always before bed.
  • Toddlers & preschoolers (2–5 years): Brush twice a day for about 2 minutes each time.
  • Parents should help or supervise brushing until at least age 7–8.

How Much Fluoride Toothpaste

  • Under 3 years: Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste – about the size of a grain of rice.
  • Ages 3–5: Use a pea‑sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Encourage your child to spit, not rinse, so a little fluoride stays on the teeth.
  • Always store toothpaste out of reach and help your child put it on the brush.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

  • Pick a soft‑bristled brush with a small head designed for babies or young children.
  • Look for a chunky, easy‑grip handle for little hands.
  • Replace the toothbrush every 3 months or sooner if bristles are frayed or after illness.
  • Let your child help choose the colour or character to make brushing more exciting.

Brushing Techniques by Age

Babies (0–2 years)

  • Sit your baby on your lap, with their head resting against your chest.
  • Use a soft baby brush or finger brush.
  • Gently brush in small circles along the gum line and teeth.
  • Talk or sing softly to keep your baby calm and relaxed.

Toddlers (2–3 years)

  • Stand or sit behind your child, tilting their head back slightly against your body.
  • Use small circular motions on the front, back and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
  • Brush along the gum line where plaque collects.
  • Let your child have a turn, then say, “Now it’s my turn to finish off.”

Preschoolers (3–5 years)

  • Teach a simple pattern: outside, inside, chewing surfaces of all teeth.
  • Use gentle circles or tiny back‑and‑forth strokes.
  • Don’t forget the back molars and along the gums.
  • Keep supervising and helping – most children can’t clean properly on their own yet.

Making Brushing Fun

  • Songs: Play a 2‑minute song or sing a “toothbrushing song” to time brushing.
  • Games: Pretend to “chase sugar bugs” or “polish superhero teeth.”
  • Reward charts: Use stickers for each successful brushing; offer small non‑food rewards (extra story, choosing a game).
  • Brush together: Let your child watch you brush and copy you in the mirror.
  • Special tools: Try a colourful timer, sand timer, or child‑friendly electric brush if recommended.

Bottles, Dummies and Night‑Time Feeding

  • Bottles: Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, juice or sweet drinks – use only water if needed.
  • Night‑time feeds: If your baby still feeds at night, gently wipe teeth and gums afterwards when possible.
  • Dummies: Never dip dummies in sugar, honey or sweet drinks.
  • Try to start weaning off bottles and dummies between 12–18 months, or as advised by your health professional.

When Your Child Refuses to Brush

  • Stay calm and consistent – make brushing non‑negotiable, like wearing a seatbelt.
  • Offer choices: “Do you want the blue brush or the green one?” rather than “Do you want to brush?”
  • Use gentle firmness: explain that brushing keeps teeth strong and healthy.
  • Try brushing a favourite toy’s “teeth” first, then your child’s.
  • Use a reward chart for cooperative brushing, praising effort rather than perfection.
  • If struggles continue, ask your dentist or health visitor for extra tips and support.

Preventing Tooth Decay in Young Children in Grimsby

Tooth decay in young children is common, but small daily changes can make a big difference. Sugary drinks and snacks feed the germs in the mouth. These germs turn sugar into acid, which attacks the tooth surface and can cause holes (cavities). It is not just how much sugar children have, but how often they have it. Sipping juice or nibbling sweets through the day keeps acid on the teeth for longer, giving them less time to recover.

Try to keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes only, and offer tooth‑friendly options between meals. Good low‑cost snacks include fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, plain toast, rice cakes, plain yoghurt, cheese, and oatcakes. For drinks, the best choices are plain tap water and milk. Grimsby tap water is safe to drink and usually cheaper and better for teeth than fizzy drinks or juice. Keep fruit juice and squash to small amounts, with meals, and avoid fizzy drinks for young children as much as possible.

When shopping, check food labels for sugar. Look at the ingredients list and the “carbohydrates – of which sugars” line. Words like sucrose, glucose, fructose, honey, syrup, and fruit juice concentrate all mean sugar. As a guide, 5g of sugar is about one teaspoon. Choose products with less sugar per 100g and avoid those where sugar is listed near the top of the ingredients. Remember that “no added sugar” can still contain natural sugars, so keep portions sensible.

Children should first see a dentist when their first teeth appear, and no later than their first birthday. After that, they should usually have a check‑up every six months, or as advised by the dentist. To find and register with an NHS dentist in the Grimsby area, you can visit the NHS website and search for “NHS dentist Grimsby”, call NHS 111 for advice, or ask your local children’s centre or GP practice for up‑to‑date information. Many practices keep waiting lists, so add your child early. Take one simple step today: swap one sugary drink for tap water.