Keeping children with special needs' teeth healthy (0-6 years)

Keeping children with special
needs’ teeth healthy (0-6 years)
As soon as your child’s teeth appear you need to start looking after
them. This leaflet gives you some tips on keeping them healthy.
This leaflet has been produced by the National Fluoride Information Centre (NFIC) which is an academically independent
information centre for England.

Keeping your Child’s Teeth Healthy
To keep your child smiling – remember three important things:
• Brush twice a day with a family fluoride toothpaste.
• Give drinks from a trainer cup by 12 months of age.
• Don’t give your child sugary food or drinks between meals and particularly
last thing at night.
Brushing with a Fluoride Toothpaste
• Parents should help with toothbrushing.
• Brush the teeth twice a day; last thing
at night and on one other occasion.
• Place a smear (0-3 years) or pea-sized
amount (3-6 years) of toothpaste
Smear
containing 1350-1500 ppm fluoride on the brush.
• Encourage your child to spit out after brushing; do not rinse with water.
• Keep toothpaste out of reach of children.
Dietary Advice
• Give dietary supplements containing sugar and glucose polymers at meal
times if possible (unless clinically directed otherwise) and not last thing at
night.
• Ask for sugar free medicines.
Professional Help
• Always seek advice from your dental and medical professional before
problems arise.
Keep toothpaste out of reach of young children.
Pea-size
Further Help
The National Fluoride Information Centre (NFIC) provides objective information on
all aspects of fluorides and fluoridation. The information is reviewed by independent
scientific experts.
For more information on fluoride toothpaste or any other type of fluoride use, you can
ask your dentist or visit NFIC at:
National Fluoride Information Centre (NFIC)
www.fluorideinformation.com
Coupland III Building
info@fluorideinformation.com
University of Manchester Tel: 0161 275 8948
Manchester, M13 9PL