The correct way to clean children’s teeth is to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste using a gentle circular motion, focusing on the gumline, between teeth and the chewing surfaces. Flossing or interdental cleaning should start as soon as two teeth touch. Combined with a low-sugar diet, this routine dramatically reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease from an early age.
At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we provide preventive dental care for children and families across SW6. Whether your child is getting their first teeth or transitioning to brushing independently, this guide covers everything parents need to know.
Dental disease in children is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. The collective term for this bacteria is plaque — a sticky film that forms continuously on tooth surfaces. Left undisturbed, plaque produces acids that erode enamel and inflame gums.
Plaque accumulates most readily in four areas:
| Area | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Along the gumline | Bacteria here cause gingivitis (gum inflammation) and early gum disease |
| Between teeth | Tight contact points trap food and plaque that brushing alone cannot remove |
| Grooves on chewing surfaces | Deep fissures in molars are especially vulnerable to decay |
| Around existing dental work | Fillings, crowns and sealants create edges where plaque collects |
Children are not immune to gum disease. They are susceptible from the moment their first teeth emerge, which is why establishing good habits early is essential. learn more
Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (1,000 ppm) on a soft baby toothbrush. Gently brush all surfaces of each tooth, paying attention to the gumline. Brush twice daily — after breakfast and before bed.
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1,350-1,500 ppm). Supervise brushing and help them reach the back teeth. Encourage them to spit out excess toothpaste but avoid rinsing with water, which washes away the protective fluoride.
Most children can brush independently from around age seven, but check their technique regularly. They should brush in small circular motions around each tooth — inside and outside surfaces — for a full two minutes.
Once two teeth sit side by side, begin flossing daily. Guide the floss gently under the gumline and scrape plaque away from both sides of each tooth. Interdental brushes are an excellent alternative for children who find floss difficult to manage.
Bleeding gums during flossing are not a reason to stop. They are a sign of gum inflammation caused by bacteria beneath the gumline. Consistent flossing resolves this within one to two weeks. If bleeding persists, book a hygienist appointment at Pure Smiles. learn more
Thorough cleaning alone cannot fully compensate for a diet high in sugar. Every time your child consumes sugar, the bacteria in their mouth feed on it and produce acid. Even a small amount of plaque can generate enough acid to cause decay.
| Food or Drink | Hidden Sugar Risk |
|---|---|
| Fruit juices and smoothies | High in natural sugars and acid — as damaging as fizzy drinks |
| Flavoured yoghurts | Often contain 3-4 teaspoons of added sugar per pot |
| Breakfast cereals | Many children’s cereals are over 30% sugar |
| Crisps and starchy snacks | Starch breaks down into sugars that feed bacteria |
| Ketchup and sauces | A tablespoon of ketchup can contain a full teaspoon of sugar |
| Sugar in tea or coffee (for older children/parents) | Even half a teaspoon per cup adds up over multiple drinks daily |
Limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes rather than snacking throughout the day. This gives saliva time to neutralise acids between meals. Water and milk are the safest drinks for teeth. learn more
The NHS recommends children visit a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Regular six-monthly check-ups allow us to catch problems early, apply protective fissure sealants to vulnerable molars, and provide tailored advice for your child’s stage of development.
At Pure Smiles, our team is experienced with children and nervous young patients. We make dental visits a positive experience so children build a healthy relationship with dental care that lasts into adulthood.
Book a family appointment at either of our Fulham practices — 257 New Kings Road, SW6 4RB or 750a Fulham Road, SW6 5SH — by calling 020 7736 6276. learn more
Most children can begin brushing independently from around age seven, though supervision is recommended until they consistently demonstrate good technique. Before this age, parents should do the brushing or at least finish off after the child has had a go.
Yes, mild bleeding is common when starting a flossing routine and indicates gum inflammation caused by plaque bacteria. With consistent daily flossing, the bleeding usually stops within two weeks. If it continues, visit Pure Smiles for a professional assessment.
Children should attend dental check-ups every six months from their first birthday. Regular visits allow early detection of decay, monitoring of developing teeth and application of preventive treatments such as fissure sealants and fluoride varnish.
