In ChildrenLike so many aspects of a child’s development, the early stages are the most important. Oral health is no exception. Healthy baby teeth provide a space for adult teeth to develop and any early loss can lead to serious discomfort for the child and overcrowding later in life that could require orthordontic treatments.

TTooth decay is caused by the build-up of plaque bacteria which feed off sugar, producing an acid that slowly destroys teeth, creating holes called cavities.

is the best cure!

3-4 teethare affected inchildren withtooth decay

27%of five ye

ar-olds

in the UK have

tooth decay

food and drinks are the biggest culprits for causing tooth decay.

Plan meals and snacks carefully!

Fewer than10% of childrenwith tooth decayhave beentreated

Between snacks, children should only be given milk or water. Avoid giving them concentrated fruit

juices.

Toddlers should be offered six to eight drinks a day, with a cup or glass introduced after six months.

Bottle feeding should be discouraged after a year.

Nutritious and savoury snacks should be encouraged, but make sure that your child refrains from constant grazing, even on healthy foods.

Limit sweet foods to four times daily, including mealtimes. Never give your child sugary foods in the

evening, and especially not right before bed.

Check food labels carefully for

any hidden or added sugars:

hon.ey, sucrose, glucose, maltose,

dextrose, fructose, hydrolysed starch,

corn or maize syrup, molasses,

raw/brown sugar, treacle

Never dip

your baby’s

dummy in any-

thing sweet!

regularly is one of the most effective ways of reducing plaque and preventing decay.

3%of childrenhave had a toothextracted by theage of five!

Take your child for a professional clean two to three times a year after the age of three; NHS dental care is free until age 18. Supervise your

child’s brushing up to age seven.

Encourage your children to spit, not rinse after brushing. For under-threes, use a smear of 1000ppm

fluoride toothpaste. Older children can use a pea-sized amount of 1350-1500ppm.

Use a small, child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles. Make sure that you replace it every three

months.

Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. Brush twice a day: once before

bedtime and once more earlier in the day.

The bacteria that cause tooth decay can also be passed on to a child by their parents, so make sure that you are treated for any gum disease or tooth decay quickly to protect your child..

Brought to you by Portman Healthcare

www.portmanhealthcare.co.uk

Figures taken from www.nwph.net