Dental care (6 months to 5 years)

If tooth pain, swelling, abscess — see Pain in teeth or gums

• Look inside mouth at every child health assessment (lift the lip)
• Use torch and dental mirror (if available) to help you see around mouth and back teeth
• If possible, clean teeth with toothbrush (no toothpaste) for better view
• Look at all teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay or gum disease (red, swollen gums) — Table 3.21

Tooth Decay

Brief interventions — strong teeth

• Breastfeed babies, then wean to feeding cup not bottle
• If bottle fed — do not put baby to sleep with bottle
• Give child plenty of water to drink
• Healthy food — no sweet drinks, lollies, cake, ice cream
• Help clean child’s teeth twice a day
• From 18 months use smear of children’s low-fluoride toothpaste — spit don’t rinse out
• If child has moderate or high caries risk, use a smear of standard fluoride toothpaste — spit and  don't swallow, don't rinse out
• Brush your own teeth twice a day with soft toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste — after breakfast and before bed
• Visit the dentist for a check up every year

Tooth eruption and teething pain

• Do not use teething gels — may cause toxicity or serious harm (eg seizures, cardiac effects, death)
• Drooling and irritability common. May have local pain and swelling or mild fever
• Rubbing the gums with a clean finger,  cold (not frozen) teething rings and cold compresses can provide symptomatic relief of teething pain
• Systemic analgesics (eg paracetamol) can be used