Top oral health recommendations for your children’s mouth, teeth and gums

Mairead Harding

Trustee, Dental Health Foundation

Good oral health is a human right and vital to children’s wellbeing. Prevention is essential for healthy teeth, gums and to avoid injury to front teeth.

Current views on oral health for children align with general health principles. They emphasise prevention, rather than addressing problems once they occur. This involves a common risk factor approach to prevention.

Common childhood oral conditions

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting around 60%– 90% of school-aged children globally. It’s a common reason for young children attending hospital and receiving treatment under general anaesthesia.

Other common conditions include inflamed gums, dental erosion and injury to front teeth. All these conditions are preventable by the following advice, using a common risk factor approach and ensuring early dental visits to detect potential problems. 

Recommendations for a healthy mouth

Eat/drink as little sugars as possible. Particularly avoid foods/drinks sweetened with sugars between meals and at bedtime. Avoid fizzy drinks, whether identified as sugar-free or not. Plain milk and tap water are the best drinks for healthy teeth. 

Brush teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste from age two. Spit, don’t rinse, after brushing. Supervise brushing at least until age seven. For older children, ask your dentist or dental professional about use of floss and interdental brushes. Don’t smoke/ vape, or discontinue if already started. Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports, during both competitive and training games. 

These recommendations not only support a healthy mouth, teeth and gums but also contribute to overall health. This common risk factor approach is recommended by the national oral health policy ‘Smile agus Sláinte’ and by the World Health Organization. 

Medication and toothpaste advice

Some medications can contain sugars. Always choose sugar-free options when available. Inform your dentist about all medicines your child is taking. Some children enjoy the taste of toothpaste. Always supervise brushing, using only a pea-sized amount. Avoid letting your child eat, lick or swallow toothpaste. 

For children under seven years, use toothpaste with 1,000ppm fluoride. Those over seven may use a toothpaste with 1,450ppm. Follow the guidance unless your dental professional says otherwise.