National Smile Month was recently marked across the UK from 11 May to 11 June. As part of the campaign, we’ve been using our social media channels to raise awareness around oral care and highlight the resources shared by the Best Start in Life initiative.
Looking after your mouth is about more than just having nice teeth, it impacts daily life, from how we eat and speak to our overall confidence and comfort. To help our community stay healthy, here is a quick reminder of the free NHS support and daily habits that can lead to long-term benefits for your family.
Free dental care support:
- For pregnant women: dental check-ups as well as treatments are free for pregnant women and for a whole year after your baby's birth.
- For children: under 18s are entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England.
Healthy habits you can start at home:
- Start early: help your child brush twice a day from the moment their first tooth appears until they’re at least seven years old.
- Watch the sugars: sugary drinks can cause tooth decay in babies, so avoid sweet drinks like squash, fizzy pop, milkshakes and fruit juice during weaning, to prevent tooth decay. Even baby and toddler drinks can contain sugar.
- Baby bottles: introducing your baby to free-flow cups from six months can help avoid tooth decay. Stop using baby bottles from the age of one year.
- Spit, don't rinse: remind children not to rinse with water right after brushing. Rinsing washes away the fluoride that keeps their enamel strong.
For more expert tips, explore the full guide on the NHS Best Start in Life website for more practical advice on keeping your little one's teeth healthy and bright.
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