It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month!

Setting up young smiles for life

February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of establishing strong oral hygiene habits from an early age. As the UK’s leading provider of dental apprenticeships and recruitment, we are passionate about training the next generation of dental professionals to support families in achieving excellent oral health.

Early childhood is the foundation for lifelong dental habits, and parents, carers, and dental professionals all play a role in ensuring children understand the importance of looking after their teeth. Here’s how you can set your little ones on the path to a healthy smile.

Start before the first tooth appears

Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook that good oral hygiene begins before a baby’s first tooth appears. Even though there aren’t any visible teeth yet, bacteria can still build up on the gums. After feedings, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth or soft finger brush to remove bacteria and get them accustomed to the sensation of having their mouth cleaned.

Caring for baby teeth

As soon as your child’s first tooth emerges, it’s time to start brushing! Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride-free toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) and gently brush in circular motions.

While baby teeth will eventually fall out, they play a crucial role in speech development, chewing, and maintaining space for adult teeth, so it’s very important to take care of them.

The first visit to the dentist

Your child’s first dental check-up should take place by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. These early visits help children become comfortable with the dentist, allow for early detection of any issues, and provide parents or guardians with valuable advice on teething, nutrition, and brushing techniques.

To make dental visits a positive experience:
✔ Use positive language when talking about the dentist.
✔ Lead by example - children mirror their parents’ attitudes!
✔ Bring a comfort item such as a toy or blanket.
✔ Watch fun videos or read books about visiting the dentist to ease any anxiety.

Encouraging healthy oral habits at home

Good oral health is a daily habit that starts at home. Making brushing and flossing fun can turn it into an enjoyable routine rather than a chore.

• Brush together – Let your child see you brushing your teeth and encourage them to copy you.
• Make it fun – Use a toothbrush with their favourite character or colour, or a toothpaste flavour they enjoy.
• Use a timer – Play a two-minute song to make sure they brush for the recommended time.
• Flossing matters – As soon as two teeth touch, introduce flossing using child-friendly flossers.
• Healthy eating – Limit sugary snacks and drinks where you can, choosing water and tooth-friendly foods instead.

The role of dental professionals in supporting children's oral health

Dental professionals play a vital role in educating families and communities, and helping prevent tooth decay, which remains one of the most common health issues in young children. That’s why we train future Dental Nurses and Oral Health Practitioners to provide preventative care, community education, and support for parents and carers, through our leading apprenticeships.

As leaders in dental apprenticeships and training, we are committed to upskilling dental professionals to better serve their communities, tackling oral health inequalities and ensuring the next generation grows up with strong, healthy smiles.

A lifetime of smiles starts today

National Children’s Dental Health Month is a reminder that small habits create big impacts. By starting oral care early, making it fun, and ensuring regular dental check-ups, we can help children develop a positive relationship with their oral health - setting them up for a lifetime of confident, cavity-free smiles.

If you're a GDC registered dental professional looking to advance your career in oral health education, explore our Level 4 Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship.

Let’s work together to build healthier smiles for future generations!