How do I look after them and when am I meant to bring my children to the dentist?
Children should visit the dentist as soon as they begin to develop baby teeth to ensure that they start right from the beginning and to get them used to the dental environment. Even baby teeth can get tooth decay and it is just as important to look after these as adult teeth.
Looking after baby teeth can start at home with the following advice:
For children 0-3 years to help prevent tooth decay
- Parents/carers should brush or supervise tooth brushing
- As soon as teeth erupt in the mouth brush them twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1000ppm fluoride
- Brush last thing at night and on one other occasion
- It is best to use only a smear of toothpaste
- Reduce the amount of sugary food and drink
- From 6 months of age infants should be introduced to drinking from a free-flow cup, and from are one year feeding from a bottle should be discouraged
- Sugar free medicines should be recommended
For children aged 3-6 years to help prevent tooth decay
- Brush at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste containing more than 1000 ppm fluoride
- Brush last thing at night and at least on one other occasion
- Brushing should be supervised by a parent/carer
- It is best to use a pea sized amount of toothpaste
- Spit the toothpaste out after brushing and do not rinse, to maintain fluoride levels
- The frequency and amount of sugary food and drinks should be reduced
For children aged 7 years or above and adults
- Brush at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste containing 1350 – 1500 ppm fluoride
- Brush last thig at night and at least on one other occasion
- Spit the toothpaste out after brushing and do not rinse, to maintain fluoride levels
- The frequency and amount of sugary food and drinks should be reduced
What your dentist can do?
The dentist may recommend placing a fluoride varnish onto the teeth which can help to prevent tooth decay. There are also coatings that can be put on the teeth called ‘fissure sealants’ that provide a physical barrier between the surface of the teeth and the bacteria that cause the tooth decay.
By Chloe Chen, Dental Hygienist at New Street Dental Care, Andover.
If you would like any more information, are worried about your child’s teeth or would like some advice, please do not hesitate to call New Street Dental Care on 01264 301301.
