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Tooth decay is the most common reason for 5 to 9-year-olds to be admitted to hospital, while 25.5% of Medway’s five-year-olds have tooth decay.

Local oral health promoter, Lauren Truelove-Collins, knows parents want to do the best thing for their children, and just need the right information.

“Swapping sugary drinks for milk or water, replacing sweet snacks with fruit, crackers or crumpets, brushing twice a day and making regular visits to the dentist from when a child’s first tooth appears, all help to prevent tooth decay and keep teeth strong and healthy,”

Lauren, who works for Medway Community Healthcare, sees children missing days at nursery and school because of dental pain, while parents struggle to juggle childcare and work commitments.

She said, “Some parents think that because milk teeth fall out, they don't matter as much as adult teeth. But decay can affect a tooth as soon as it appears and if left untreated can damage a child’s permanent teeth too, causing them to grow crooked and discoloured.”

“I always advise parents to start brushing their child's teeth as soon as they appear. Up until the age of 3 use a smear of toothpaste, from the age of 3 use a pea-sized amount. Children need help brushing their teeth until they are around 7 years old.”

One tip for healthy teeth always takes parents by surprise.

“People can’t believe it when I say they need to spit!”, laughs Lauren.

“Toothpaste has fluoride in it to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. When we rinse our mouth out with water, we’re washing all that protection away. That’s why I tell everyone to spit, don’t rinse.”

Some parents who establish a good tooth brushing routine early on run into problems when their child gets older.

Lauren says “This is common as children grow and want to be more independent. It can be frustrating and stressful, but the most important thing is to stay calm and carry on with the routine. Try and make it fun. Sing a song or brush your teeth together. Some children like it if they can see what you are doing, so try brushing teeth in front of a mirror.”

For more information on looking after your child’s teeth visit medway.gov.uk/oralhealth