Information for Parents
Helpful tips for parents to promote toothbrushing at home
Even if your child has joined a supervised toothbrushing programme at their nursery/school, it is still important for your child to brush their teeth at home. Here are helpful tips on how to brush your child’s teeth at home:
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Brush all surfaces of the teeth and gumline in small circles for about 2 minutes, just before bedtime and another time that fits with your routine.
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Children under 3 should use a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1000ppm fluoride.
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Children aged 3 and over should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1000ppm fluoride. Use a toothpaste containing 1350-1500ppm fluoride for maximum prevention.
• Most ‘own brand’ supermarket toothpastes are suitable and more affordable.
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• Encourage the child to spit out the toothpaste. Do NOT rinse with water. Rinsing washes away the fluoride so it can’t do its job.
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• The parent/carer should assist with brushing until the child is at least 7 years old.
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• The parent/carer should sit the child on their knee or stand behind them and cradle their head while brushing.
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• Allow babies to play with a toothbrush from an early age, they will get used to the feel of it in their mouth.
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• Children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disability) may need opportunities to play and explore with a toothbrush to encourage them to use it as described, allow the child to touch their face with it, use different tasting toothpaste to try and find one your children like.
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Useful resources regarding children’s oral health, including BSPD resources that developed in different languages, are available by clicking the buttons below. Wider oral health resources can be found here.
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Thank you for Wakefield Council Oral Health Team for using their resources