Morecambe families with young children are being urged to begin brushing their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, twice a day, from as early as possible as part of a new campaign.
Lancashire County Council Public Health's new 'Let's Get Lancashire Brushing' campaign is focussing on under-twos living in Morecambe, as well as in Preston, Burnley, Pendle and Hyndburn.
Featuring its 'healthy heroes,' the campaign aims to share 'top tips' for helping families to look after their child's teeth.
These include:
It's never too early for parents to start brushing your child's teeth. They can even begin brushing their gums before their first tooth has appeared as it is a helpful way to care for a child's teeth and gums and continue this as they grow up
Brush toddlers' teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time with a fluoride toothpaste
From the age of 12 months, make the switch from a bottle to give drinks in an open or free-flow lidded cup
Plain, non-sweetened milk (not flavoured or milkshakes) or plain, still water is safe to drink in-between meals
If children enjoy fruit juices and/or dried fruit, they should have them at mealtimes only as they have lots of natural sugars and are acidic, which are bad for teeth
At night-time, after your child has brushed their teeth, only let them have water to drink as milk has natural sugar in it too
County Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing said: "Let's Get Lancashire Brushing is a vital campaign, as taking care of your children's teeth is essential for them to eat, drink, smile, talk, sing - and even shout, as well as protecting them from tooth decay.
"As part of the campaign, we are providing free toothcare packs. The packs have a toothbrush and toothpaste, along with a top tips leaflet - everything you need to start your child on their toothbrushing journey.
‘’Ask at your local Family Hub if you would like one or with Lancashire Healthy Young People and Families Service who provide them at their visits."
UPDATE: Two men charged with robbery and burglary offences at Morecambe and Lancaster shops
LISTEN: Community garden taking shape in memory of Heysham toddler
Second earthquake in two days hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Morecambe Bay
£2.5m funding boost for Eden Project Morecambe will help create new visitor zone
British Transport Police office returns to Lancaster Railway Station
Ryelands Community Connect scheme aims to bring together locals
Twenty vehicles caught speeding during police crackdown in Lancaster
Councillors call for halt to demolition of vandalised Morecambe 'youth hut'
Coastal pollution clean-up training to be held on Morecambe beach
Man seriously injured at Morecambe pub "making excellent progress" as investigation continues
Vandals target tractors used by King's Guide to Sands of Morecambe Bay to keep walkers safe
MP hopes for improved mobile signal at last as new mast installed in Lancaster
Maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary officially exit national special measures
Crews tackle kitchen fire in Lancaster
Opening date announced for animal rescue charity's new Morecambe home
Lancaster MP takes on Morecambe 10K in aid of new children's playground
Tributes paid to twice-Lancaster mayor who served on council for 56 years
Dancing Eric Morecambe Statue part of police campaign to warn about AI deepfakes
PHOTOS: Great Wall of China trek raises more than £300K for Lancaster hospice
Another earthquake hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
