DENTISTS are aiming to put a healthy smile on the face of Bolton toddlers who are at risk of developing some of the worst tooth decay in the country.

The new campaign comes as a debate continues about whether fluoride should be place in water -- or if people should be allowed to make the decision themselves.

But more than 55pc of children under five years old suffer from decayed, missing or filled teeth in town.

Now dental experts are stepping up their efforts to tackle the on-going problem by targeting toddlers and their parents with the hope of cutting the area's appalling childhood tooth decay record.

All parents of toddlers aged between 18 and 30 months will get newsletters containing advice and inviting them to register with a dentist who will give out a free goodie bag containing a kiddie toothbrush and toothpaste.

The campaign is also supported by a new website, www.go-healthyteeth.co.uk, where parents of children of all ages can find out more about dental health in the comfort of their own home.

The website aims to offer friendly and simple information on how to care for and protect children's teeth, as well as up-to-date listings of local dentists.

Parents can also e-mail their comments, suggestions and questions about dental health to: dentaladvisor@go-healthyteeth.

co.uk.

Val Baron, Wigan and Bolton Health Authority Dental Adviser, said: "Statistics show that the dental health record in Bolton, particularly that of children, is one of the poorest in the country.

"Children under five years old regularly have fillings or teeth extracted because their parents do not understand the need to look after their first teeth as soon as they start to come through. By encouraging parents to take their toddlers for regular check ups at the dentist, we are catching them before they develop bad habits which can take away their chance of a happy and healthy smile for life." Date the dentist DENTISTS warn that decay can affect a child from the moment their first tooth appears.

And it can often lead to problems which could last throughout life.

Baby's teeth decay more easily than adults and children who lose their first teeth too early can find their second set coming through unevenly.

It is important to start brushing as soon as the first tooth comes though or you can start even earlier by wiping baby's gums with a wet cloth or cotton bud.

A nice smile is a great confidence booster for children, whereas decayed teeth can lead to poor eating habits and sometimes speech problems. DOs... Encourage children to brush their teeth from an early age, first thing in the morning and last thing at night;

Register your child with a dentist before their first tooth appears;

Avoid problems later by making sure children's baby teeth are properly looked after;

Limit sweets and chocolates to just after meal times;

Make brushing fun and routine from an early age -- brush their favourite doll's teeth at the same time;

Check with your dentist to make sure your chosen toothpaste is protecting your child's teeth. Many milder-tasting baby formulas do not contain as much fluoride as adult brands. Don'ts Don't encourage you child to snack on sweets or sugary drinks between meals;

Don't put your child to bed with a bottle of milk to juice or allow them to drink sugary drinks from a bottle. Keep any sweet drinks to meal times only;

Don't give your child a dummy or soother dipped in sugary food.