Becoming a mum can be overwhelming, especially in today’s digital age, where parenting advice seems to come from every direction. Oral health may not be a top priority at the start of a parenting journey, but as teeth can typically emerge from 6 months, it soon becomes necessary for mums to feel confident managing their children’s oral health. Dental professionals are in the ideal position to provide support to mums in a non-judgemental way. This article will explore some of the ways to support mums to ensure their children start off life with good oral health habits.
A good oral hygiene routine starts earlier than most mums expect; tooth brushing can actually start as soon as teeth begin to appear in the mouth. This should be done twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1000 ppm (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 2021). Starting tooth brushing early will make it more likely for a baby to accept this as part of their everyday routine as they grow up. To avoid any resistance to tooth brushing, it can be made a fun activity by introducing music, games, and rewards.
It is now recommended that solids be introduced from the age of 6 months. To avoid any risk of tooth decay, sugar should not be added to any foods or drinks; this includes avoiding any medicines that contain sugar. Babies can also be introduced to a free-flow cup from the age of 6 months with the aim of removing a bottle from 12 months (NHS, 2022).
It can be helpful to offer tips on healthy eating and discuss the impact sugary snacks and drinks can have on their child's teeth. Limiting the frequency and quantity of sugary foods and drinks and offering healthy snacks like whole fruits and vegetable sticks can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay. Whilst some foods and drinks are labelled as ‘healthy,’ they can actually contain a lot of hidden sugar, which will damage the teeth. Examples of these include flavoured yoghurts, smoothies, and dried fruits. It is also advisable to only give a child water at night once they have brushed their teeth and avoid giving bottles with milk or juice at bedtime (NHS, 2022).
A great way to instill a positive attitude towards oral health is to schedule a dental visit before the age of one or when the first teeth begin to erupt (British Society of Paediatric Dentistry, 2025). This should be supported by most dental practices with an NHS contract. It will help put the child at ease from a young age, making future dental visits easier and contributing to the early identification and prevention of oral health concerns. It can be reassuring to let mums know that the first few visits will likely just be an opportunity for the child to sit in the dental chair and practice opening their mouth and having their teeth counted.
Becoming a parent can feel quite isolating, so it can be helpful to offer emotional support alongside some of the practical advice we have covered in this article. Some mums may have had negative experiences with their own oral health, which may feed into feelings of anxiety. Encouraging mothers to reach out to dental professionals with any concerns about their child’s oral health can help ease anxiety they may have.
Written by Melanie Pomphrett RDH, MSc, PGCE
References
British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (2025). DCby1. Online at: https://www.bspd.co.uk/dcby1
NHS (2022). Drinks and cups for babies and young children. Online at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/drinks-and-cups-for-babies-and-young-children/#:~:text=Once%20your%20baby%20is%201,a%20bottle%20should%20be%20discouraged.
Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (2021). Delivering better oral health: an evidence-based toolkit for prevention. Online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/delivering-better-oral-health-an-evidence-based-toolkit-for-prevention/chapter-2-summary-guidance-tables-for-dental-teams
