Primary Care trusts in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset have all signed up to the scheme.

About 40% of six-year-old children in the region have some form of tooth decay, health professionals say.

The free dental packs will be given to all babies in the area at their eight month check up.

Health professionals believe that babies as young as eight months should have their teeth cleaned.

"National evidence shows that babies who start having their teeth cleaned before they are one will have significantly less tooth decay later in life," said Caroline Drugan, a consultant in dental health.

"This is a vital message as 40% of our six-year-old children have tooth decay."