Baby teeth matter more than you might think. Here is what to expect in the early years and how to build good habits early.
Baby teeth are temporary, but their job is anything but small — they hold space for adult teeth, help with speech development, and let children chew properly while their jaw grows. Looking after them well sets the tone for a lifetime of healthy habits.
As soon as the first tooth appears, usually around six months, it's time to start brushing twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste sized for their age. It might feel like there's nothing to clean at first, but the habit matters more than the amount of tooth surface.
A child's first dental visit should happen around their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming through — whichever comes first. Early visits at our practice are short, friendly and mostly about getting your child comfortable with the environment, not about treatment.
Sugar is the biggest everyday risk to young teeth, and it's often hidden in places parents don't expect — fruit pouches, flavoured yoghurts, and diluted juice all count. Sticking to water and milk between meals makes a bigger difference than almost anything else you can do at home.
We also encourage parents to supervise brushing until around the age of seven, when children usually develop the coordination to clean thoroughly on their own. A soft toothbrush, two minutes twice a day, and age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste remain the foundation of prevention.
Finally, try not to worry too much about a wobbly or slightly crooked baby tooth — most sort themselves out. What matters most is consistency: two minutes, twice a day, and regular check-ups so small issues never become big ones. We're always happy to welcome families from Larkfield and nearby villages.
Written by
Sophie Bennett
Dental Hygienist at Larkfield Dental Aesthetics
