Do you look after your teeth and gums? It is important because if you do, your teeth should last for the rest of your life.

• by the time children in the UK are five years old, nearly half of them have some tooth decay; this needn't happen if you think about the effect of sugar on children's teeth from the beginning 

• amongst 15 year olds this rises to over 90%

• remember a 'sweet tooth' may develop in childhood so never add sugar or salt to a baby's food

• dummies or soothers should not be dipped in anything

• only EVER give milk or water in a bottle

• check for sugar content on labels of pre-prepared food and encourage your child to make healthy choices at snack times. Remember sugar is often "hidden" in foods.

• try to think of alternatives to sweets for presents and treats

• adults as well as children can reduce the 'attacks' on our teeth by keeping sugary drinks and snacks to mealtimes only. Water and milk are the safest drinks between meals.

• try munching on fruit, chopped up vegetables, breadsticks, crackers or pitta bread.

• build up your defence by brushing your teeth thoroughly every day with a fluoride toothpaste; use a dry toothbrush and spit out the paste but don't rinse your mouth.
• an adult should assist children up to around age 7 to brush and a toothpaste with a 1000 parts per million fluoride (ppmF) should be used. Babies should have a smear of toothpaste (1000 ppmF) on the brush, toddlers and children should use a pea sized amount. Children 7 years plus and adults should use a pea sized amount of toothpaste 1450ppmF.

• visit your dentist regularly - at least once a year

FREE

• remember NHS dental treatment is free for schoolchildren and certain other groups on low income.