Bring your child to the dentist as soon as their first teeth appear, and by their first birthday. NHS dental care is free for children under 18, so there is no cost to starting early.

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste: a smear for under-threes, a pea-sized amount from three to six. Encourage them to spit, not rinse, so the fluoride keeps working.

Keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes. From the age of three, children can have fluoride varnish applied at their check-ups to help protect their teeth.

Information on this website is general and is not a substitute for advice from a dental professional. Please book an appointment for advice about your own teeth.