By Dr Elizabeth Crake
Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood health problems in England, yet it is almost entirely preventable. For Wimbledon families juggling the school run, weekend sport on the Common and busy weekday mornings, the good news is that protecting your child's teeth comes down to a handful of simple, daily habits. In our Wimbledon Village practice we see far fewer cavities in children whose parents get the basics right early. Here is exactly how to keep your little one's smile healthy and decay-free.
Why milk teeth matter more than you think
It is a common myth that baby teeth "don't count" because they fall out anyway. In truth, healthy milk teeth help your child eat, speak and smile with confidence, and they hold space for the adult teeth forming underneath. Decay in baby teeth can be painful, can cause infection, and is a leading reason young children end up needing extractions under general anaesthetic. Protecting those first teeth is one of the most worthwhile things you can do for your child's long-term health.
Decay happens when bacteria in plaque turn sugar into acid, which gradually dissolves the enamel. The two things you can most easily control are how often sugar reaches the teeth and how well plaque is brushed away, which is why diet and brushing sit at the heart of prevention.
Get brushing right from the first tooth
Start cleaning your child's teeth as soon as the first one appears, usually around six months. The NHS recommends brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, including last thing at night before bed. A few practical pointers our team shares with Wimbledon parents:
- Brush last thing at night and on at least one other occasion, bedtime brushing matters most because saliva flow drops while we sleep.
- Supervise brushing until around age seven. Young children simply don't have the dexterity to clean thoroughly on their own.
- Spit, don't rinse. Encourage your child to spit out excess toothpaste but not rinse with water, so a little protective fluoride stays on the teeth.
- Use the right amount of toothpaste for your child's age (see the table below).
- Make it a routine, not a battle, brushing together, a song or a two-minute timer all help.
| Age | Toothpaste amount | Fluoride strength |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 years | A smear | At least 1,000ppm fluoride |
| 3 to 6 years | A pea-sized amount | More than 1,000ppm fluoride |
| 7 years and over | A pea-sized amount | 1,350–1,500ppm fluoride |
Source: NHS guidance on looking after children's teeth. Brush twice daily, including last thing at night, and supervise until around age seven.
Watch the sugar, especially between meals
It is not just how much sugar your child has, but how often. Every time sugar reaches the teeth, there is an acid attack lasting up to an hour. Frequent snacking and sipping sugary or fizzy drinks keep the teeth under constant attack. To reduce the risk of decay:
- Keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes only, when saliva helps neutralise acid.
- Offer water or plain milk between meals rather than juice, squash or fizzy drinks.
- Avoid sugary drinks in bottles and never put your baby to bed with a bottle of anything but water.
- Check labels, many "healthy" snacks, smoothies and dried fruits are surprisingly high in free sugars.
South-west London sits in a non-fluoridated water area. Unlike some parts of England, tap water in Merton and across SW19 is not fluoridated, so the fluoride in your child's toothpaste does the heavy lifting. That makes correct brushing twice a day, and getting the toothpaste amount right, especially important here. After football on Wimbledon Common or a treat during the Championships, a glass of plain water rather than a sugary drink is a small win for little teeth.
Regular check-ups catch problems early
Even with perfect brushing, regular dental visits are an essential safety net. Seeing a dentist from an early age lets us spot the very first signs of decay, apply preventive treatments such as fluoride varnish, and keep your child comfortable and confident in the chair. NHS dental care is free for children under 18 in England, so there is no cost barrier to regular care. The table below shows the typical recommended check-up frequency.
| Risk level | Suggested interval |
|---|---|
| Lower risk of decay | Up to every 12 months |
| Average risk | Around every 6 months |
| Higher risk of decay | As often as every 3 months |
Your dentist will advise the right interval for your child. Building visits into the routine early is the foundation of good general and family dentistry, and as children grow a hygienist appointment adds another layer of protection.
Book a friendly children's check-up in Wimbledon Village
Gentle, preventive care for little ones with Dr Elizabeth Crake and our family team at The Dental Lounges Wimbledon, with morning slots around the school run.
Book an appointment Family dentistryFluoride varnish and other preventive treatments
Beyond brushing and diet, your dental team can add extra protection. Fluoride varnish is a quick, painless coating that strengthens enamel, and it is routinely offered to children. For older children with deep grooves in their back teeth, fissure sealants can help keep decay out. These small preventive steps, done at routine appointments, make a real difference, and they are part of why we encourage families across Wimbledon to keep visits regular rather than waiting for a problem to appear.
A simple daily checklist
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, last thing at night and one other time.
- Use the correct toothpaste amount for your child's age and supervise until about seven.
- Keep sugary food and drink to mealtimes; offer water or milk in between.
- Attend regular dental check-ups and accept fluoride varnish when offered.
Get these basics right and you give your child the best possible start. Whenever you're ready, our friendly team at our Wimbledon Village practice would be glad to welcome your little one, and you can always get in touch with any questions.
Frequently asked questions
The NHS advises that children up to age three use a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride, and children aged three to six use a pea-sized amount containing more than 1,000ppm. Brush twice a day, encourage spitting rather than rinsing, and supervise brushing until around age seven.
Start as soon as the first milk tooth appears, usually around six months. The NHS recommends brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, including the last thing before bed. Early routines help prevent decay and get your child used to brushing as a normal part of the day.
Yes, NHS dental care is free for children under 18 in England, including check-ups and treatment. At our Wimbledon practice we also offer private children's check-ups from £55 to £60, which allow longer, calmer appointments and flexible timing around school.
