Your children's teeth are really important, especially their first set (baby/milk teeth). If they have healthy teeth it helps them to learn to talk and to eat a wide range of foods. Their first teeth also have a role in guiding their permanent teeth into the right position.

Clean, or help your child to clean, their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Brushing teeth before bedtime is vital. make sure they don't have too many sweet foods or drinks throughout the day. Juice given in bottles or cups that they can keep sucking on during the day is especially damaging. Get your child registered with a dentist as soon as their teeth appear.

You can obtain further advice from your health visitor or dentist.

Useful websites:

www.child-smile.org