Prevention & Children

How can I prevent tooth decay in my child ?

The main cause of tooth decay is not the amount of sugar in the diet, but how often it is eaten or drunk. The more often your child has sugary foods or drinks, the more likely they are to have tooth decay. It is therefore important to keep sugary foods to mealtimes only. If you want to give your child a snack, try to stick to cheese, vegetables and fruit , but not dried fruit.

It is worth remembering that some processed baby foods contain quite a lot of sugar. Try checking the list of ingredients; the higher up the list the sugar is, the more there is in that product. Thorough brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, particularly last thing at night, will help to prevent tooth decay.

When should I take my child to the dentist ?

It is recommended that children should go to the dentist with their parents as soon as possible. You should then take them regularly, on average once every six months. This will let them get used to the noises, smells and surroundings and prepare them for future visits. The earlier these visits begin, the more relaxed the children will be.

What if my child is very nervous about going to the dentist ?

Children can sense fear in their parents, so it is important not to let your child feel that a visit to the dentist is something to be worried about. Try to be supportive if your child needs to have any dental treatment. If you have any fears of your own about going to the dentist, it is best to tell your dentist but not to discuss them in front of your child.

Regular visits to the dentist are essential in helping your child to get used to the dental practice, realise that visits can be fun as they meet the friendly staff and dentists, play with the toys at the practice, ride on the dental chair and get stickers.

How should I clean my child’s teeth ?

Cleaning your child’s teeth should be part of their daily hygiene routine.

· You may find it easier to stand or sit behind your child, cradling their chin in your hand so you can reach their top and bottom teeth more easily

· When the first teeth start to come through, use a children’s toothbrush with a small smear of toothpaste on it.

· It is important to supervise your child’s brushing until they are at least ten years old.

· Once all the teeth have come through, use a small-headed soft toothbrush in small circular movements and try to concentrate on one section at a time.

· Don’t forget to brush gently behind the teeth and onto the gums.

· If possible make tooth bushing a routine- preferably in the morning and last thing before your child goes to bed.

· Remember to encourage your child, as praise will often get results !

When will my child’s teeth come through ?

First or ‘baby’ teeth have usually developed before your child is born and will start to come through t around 6 months. All 20 baby teeth should be through by the age of 3 years.

The first permanent molars (back teeth) will usually appear at about 6 years of age, behind the baby teeth and before the first teeth start to fall out at about 6 or 7. The permanent ‘adult’ teeth will then replace the ‘baby’ teeth. It is usually the lower teeth that are lost first, followed by the upper front teeth shortly after.

All permanent teeth should be in place by the age of 13, except the wisdom teeth. These may erupt any time between 18 and 25 years of age.

However all children are different and may develop at slightly different rates.

Should I use fluoride toothpaste ?

Fluoride comes from a number of different sources including toothpaste, specific fluoride applications and perhaps the drinking water in your area. These can all help to prevent tooth decay. Ask your dentist about fluoride.

You can get low-fluoride toothpastes and the general rule is to use a small smear of toothpaste up to 5 years of age, from 5 to 7 years use slightly less than a pea size and a normal pea sized blob of toothpaste from 7 years upwards.

From the age of 6 years onwards they can use adult toothpaste. Children should be supervised up to the age of 10 and you should make sure that they spit out the toothpaste and don’t swallow any if possible.

What sort of brush should I use ?

There are many different types of children’s toothbrushes available, including brightly coloured brushes and some with timers. These all encourage children to brush their teeth. The most important thing I to use a small-headed toothbrush with soft, nylon bristles, suitable for the age of your child.

What could cause my child to have toothache ?

Toothache is painful and upsetting especially in children and the main cause is still tooth decay. This is due to too much sugar in the diet, snacking on sugary food and drinks.

Teething is another problem which starts at around 6 months and can continue as all the other teeth start to come through at different ages.

If your child needs pain relief chose a sugar-free medicine and also remember to check with the doctor or the pharmacist that other medicines are also sugar free whenever possible. Call the dental practice to see the dentist who will be able to examine you child and advise you .