A parent's guide to healthy teeth

Do milk teeth matter?

Yes, they do! Though we lose our first set of teeth, they serve a number of key functions. First, they enable your child to eat properly. Second, they maintain the correct space for the permanent teeth to grow into. Third, they help your child to speak clearly (children who lose their milk teeth early may end up with speech problems). And fourth, they give your child a confident smile.

How should I care for my child's teeth?

Your child's teeth need to be cleaned twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. This helps the mouth to remain healthy, which is important as an infection in a milk tooth can damage the permanent tooth underneath and could result in a dental abscess.

Start cleaning your baby's teeth when the first tooth comes through.

Continue to help with cleaning until your child is around seven years old.

Remember to brush all the surfaces: inside, outside and the flat chewing parts.

What is plaque?

Plaque is the sticky substance that naturally adheres to teeth. Careful brushing can remove it, but if it hardens it can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. Plaque harbours millions of bacteria, allowing sugars to be turned into harmful acids very quickly.

Why is sugar so bad?

Our teeth are covered by a tough layer of enamel, which protects the softer, more sensitive, dentine inside. This enamel is very hard but can be broken down by the acids that are formed when bacteria in the mouth come into contact with sugars from food. Children who are constantly exposed to sweet foods have their mouths bathed in these acids. Dentists advise regular mealtimes because the time-delay between eating allows the saliva to neutralise the acids.

But my toddler gets hungry between meals!

Most under-fives need a snack. Healthy options include: vegetable sticks, fruit pieces, cubes of hard cheese, finger slices of wholemeal bread or toast, breadsticks or crackers.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that helps protect teeth. In some areas fluoride occurs naturally, while in others it's added (in very low levels) to the water supply. Currently only 10 per cent of the UK population receives fluoridated water, but in future, water companies may be required to fluoridate water. To find out if your water is currently fluoridated, ask your dentist or contact your local water supplier.

Are there any books thatwe can read?

These are suitable for young children:

* Smile, Crocodile, Smile by An Vrombaut (OUP, 4.99)

* Tusk Trouble by Jane Clarke and Cecilia Johansson (Hodder, 9.99)

* Topsy & Tim Go to the Dentist by Jean and Gareth Adamson (Ladybird, Pounds 2.50)

* Going to the Dentist by Anne Civardi and Stephen Cartwright (Usborne, Pounds 3.99)

* Freddie Visits the Dentist by Nicola Smee (Orchard Books, 3.99).

Dos and don'ts Do brush your child's teeth at least twice a day.

Do use a fluoride toothpaste that's recommended for children (only a pea-sized amount).

Do take your child to visit a dentist regularly - twice a year is ideal.

Do offer only water or milk to drink.

Don't give your baby a bottle after one year - use a free-flow beaker instead.

Don't give your baby a night-time bottle unless it contains plain water.

Don't give your child sweet foods other than at mealtimes.

DON'T forget that fruit juices and fizzy drinks are just as bad for teeth as sweet foods.