Dental guides
Children's dental health advice
Children's dental development varies. These guides give general information for parents and carers without diagnosing a child online.
A dentist, health visitor, pharmacist, GP or other appropriate professional can give age-appropriate advice where symptoms, development or dental visits are a concern.
Published guides
Browse available guides
More emergency topics are being prepared, but this page only links to guides that are already published.
Showing 6 of 6 published guides.
First dentist visit
4 min readA first dental visit can help a child become familiar with dental care and lets parents or carers ask about toothbrushing, diet and development.
Brushing children's teeth
5 min readChildren usually need help with brushing. UK guidance supports fluoride toothpaste, small age-appropriate amounts and parent or carer supervision.
Fluoride toothpaste
5 min readFluoride toothpaste helps protect children's teeth when used in age-appropriate amounts. A dentist may advise a different strength for individual risk.
Teething
4 min readTeething can cause mild gum discomfort, dribbling or chewing, but serious illness, high fever or severe symptoms should not be assumed to be teething.
Thumb sucking and dummies
4 min readThumb sucking and dummy use are common. Effects on teeth depend on frequency, intensity, duration and the child's stage of development.
Tooth decay in children
5 min readTooth decay in children can start with subtle changes. A dentist needs to assess marks, holes, pain or swelling and advise on prevention.
Looking for children's dental guidance?
Browse Odenta guides for parents and carers, and contact an appropriate professional for advice about your child's own symptoms or development.
Browse children's dental guides