We’re proud to be showing our support for a new campaign in the East Midlands, which is encouraging more families and pregnant women to take A Little Trip To The Dentist as early as possible.

Every 10 minutes a child in England is admitted to hospital to have a rotten tooth removed, and only around one in five under twos have visited the dentist. The campaign is advising parents to make appointments for their babies early, even before teeth come through, to ensure they get the advice they need to develop healthy routines as soon as possible.

While a dentist might not get to look inside a baby’s mouth, these visits can help the family get used to the sights, sounds and smells of a practice, making later check -ups easier and more comfortable.

Pregnant women are also being encouraged to keep up with their regular visits, as the hormonal changes a woman goes through can increase their risk of gum disease or other issues. It also allows a dentist to help parents-to-be prepare for the arrival of their baby, giving useful advice on how to give them the very best start .

Appointments are free for babies and children or young people under 18 at The Maltings Dental Practice in Grantham.