Healthy weaning is closely linked with good oral health, so it’s important parents understand how to get the most from introducing their baby to solid foods, to protect their developing teeth.

The transition to solids can be a tricky and sometimes confusing for families, but there are a host of useful guides and tips out there to help them through their weaning journeys.

One of the most important things to remember is that babies don’t need salt or sugar added to their food. Salty foods aren’t good for kidneys and sugar can cause tooth decay. To begin with, babies should be introduced to single vegetables and fruits, including those which aren’t so sweet to ensure they get used to a range of flavours and textures.

Where a baby might be struggling with sour or more plain flavours, parents can try mixing in sweeter fruits such as bananas to help make it more palatable.

An open or free-flow cup should also be introduced at the earliest opportunity, as drinking through a teat means liquid flows more slowly and is in contact with teeth for longer – plus the muscles developed during sipping are the same ones used for talking.

Taking a little trip to the dentist, even before babies’ first teeth come through, is also vital in developing positive oral health routines and protecting from tooth decay. Families should visit us regularly.