School’s out for summer, and families across Gloucester are gearing up for sunny days at local parks, community fairs, and family-friendly festivals. From picnics by the canal to outdoor cinema nights, the city is bustling with summer fun.
Summer offers a shift from the usual school routine, which can be a helpful opportunity to refocus on your child’s dental care – even amid a busy schedule. Whether you’re juggling work, childcare, or both, small changes like keeping tooth-friendly snacks on hand, choosing the right oral care products, or making brushing and flossing a fun, consistent routine can go a long way.
It’s not just school-age children who need to stay on top of dental care – early habits formed in infancy can have a lasting impact on a child’s future oral health. From knowing when to book their first dental visit, to choosing the right toothbrush to managing habits like thumb sucking, small everyday decisions can help set the stage for a healthy, confident smile as they grow.
Here’s everything you need to know about caring for baby teeth – from when to visit a dentist, to tips on brushing, to encouraging healthy habits.
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
Most babies will start teething at around 6 to 8 months old, and by the time they’re 2 to 3 years old, they’ll usually have all 20 baby (primary) teeth. As soon as that first tooth appears, it’s time to start brushing!
Brushing Tips for Babies and Young Children
Early brushing is vital because it protects those delicate baby teeth, which are essential for proper chewing, speech development, and holding space for adult teeth. We recommend:
- Start brushing twice a day as soon as the first tooth comes through.
- Use a small-headed toothbrush with soft bristles, and replace it every 3 months (or sooner if it becomes worn).
- Apply toothpaste to a dry brush, not a wet one – this ensures the fluoride stays concentrated.
- After brushing, spit but don’t rinse – rinsing washes away the fluoride that helps protect teeth.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
The right toothpaste helps strengthen enamel, prevent cavities, and promote good oral hygiene habits early on. Using a toothpaste formulated for children also often means it has a milder flavour and safer ingredients, making teeth cleaning a more pleasant experience and encouraging consistent brushing. We recommend:
- Use a family fluoride toothpaste for maximum protection.
- For under 3s, use a smear of toothpaste.
- For children aged 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount.
- Always supervise brushing and make sure children don’t swallow toothpaste.
- Keep toothpaste tubes out of reach of young children.
Why fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay. Children’s teeth and mouths are more delicate and developing, so they need the right level of fluoride to protect against decay without risking swallowing too much.
Food & Drink Tips for Healthy Teeth
With all the sugary summer temptations around, it’s the perfect time to revisit the basics and make sure your child’s food and drink choices are helping – not harming – their smile. Remember:
- Sugar is the main cause of tooth decay in children.
- Fizzy and sweet drinks are especially harmful – limit them to mealtimes only.
- The best drinks for young children are milk or water.
- Introduce a free-flow cup from 6 months, and aim to stop bottle use completely (including at night) by 12 months – this helps prevent tooth decay and supports healthy speech development.
- Keep snacks tooth-friendly: opt for cheese, vegetables, and fresh fruit (avoid dried fruit due to its high sugar and stickiness).
Thumb Sucking & Dummies
Sucking a thumb or pacifier is completely normal and comforting for many little ones, especially between 3 months and 2 years. But if the habit continues beyond this stage, it could start to affect the way teeth and jaws develop.
If you’re concerned about prolonged thumb sucking or dummy use, our friendly team can offer personalised guidance and support.
Dental Visits for Babies and Toddlers
It’s never too early to start bringing children to the dentist!
- Register your child early – you don’t need to wait until there’s a problem.
- Help your baby get used to the dental environment by bringing them along to your own check-ups.
- Book your child in for regular visits to keep on top of their development and catch any early concerns.
Child Friendly Dentist in Gloucester
For over four decades, we’ve earned a reputation as Gloucester’s friendliest dental practice, taking extra care to create a warm, welcoming, and child-friendly environment for our youngest patients. Here’s why families love visiting us:
- Easy Access for All – Our practice is fully accessible, with ground floor facilities including a convenient toilet.
- Clear, Child-Friendly Communication – We avoid dental jargon and explain everything in a way that’s simple and reassuring for children.
- Warm, Supportive Team – Our friendly staff are known for their calm, positive approach. You’ll also be looked after by our dedicated patient co-ordinator, Jess.
- Saturday Appointments Available – We offer weekend availability to help take the pressure off busy school and work schedules.
- Spread the Cost – Our children’s membership plan starts from just £8.93 per month and includes two healthy mouth reviews and one routine oral hygiene visit each year.
- Posey the pup! – Our trainee therapy dog is already a firm favourite with younger patients, helping to soothe nerves and bring smiles to every visit.
Good habits start young – and the more consistent you are now, the easier it becomes for your child to care for their smile in the years ahead. From choosing the right toothbrush to managing sugar intake and thumb sucking, these small steps make a big difference.
Encouraging older children to keep up with thorough brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups across the summer is also key to ensuring the kids enjoy the holiday without any unexpected dental surprises.
Need advice or ready to register your child?
We’re here to support your family every step of the way. Book a visit with Jess, our dedicated patient coordinator today.