Parents who want to prevent their children from requiring emergency dentistry should take action to ensure oral healthcare is fun, an expert has suggested.
According to peridontologist Professor Robin Seymour, youngsters are more likely to adopt reliable cleaning routines if the process is interactive and appealing.
His comments come after the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) appointed Happy the Hippo to teach young children to look after their teeth and gums as part of the National Smile Month campaign.
Ensuring youngsters maintain oral health through the correct methods of brushing and flossing is vital to dental care in later life, Professor Seymour remarked.
He added: "Often the taste of toothpastes and mouthwashes can put kids off from carrying out a thorough oral care routine."
Professor Seymour's advice comes after the BDHF revealed that approximately one-third of children in the UK continue to suffer from tooth decay due to the lack of a healthy routine.