Keeping Childrens' Teeth Healthy

Brushing | Diet | Prevention

Children's first teeth are important because, apart from being needed for chewing and speaking, they help to keep spaces for the permanent teeth. If the first teeth are well looked after, then it is more likely that the second teeth will grow into their correct position.

Teething

Your baby's teeth are being formed even before he or she is born. The first teeth start arriving around 4-6 months of age and emerge continuously until all 20 are present, usually around 3 years of age.

Brushing

• Brush your infant's first teeth every day with a piece of gauze or cloth
• Later your babies teeth can be brushed with a small soft brush, and use only a light smear of toothpaste
• From 18 months to 6 years - the use of a reduced fluoride toothpaste eg Colgate Junior is recommended. 1/2 pea size amount on a toothbrush
• If you live in a water-fluoridated area ensure your child does not swallow large amounts of toothpaste as too much fluoride may cause white patches on permanent teeth
• Floss teeth that are tight together 2- 3 times a week or push fluoride toothpaste between teeth with a finger

Diet

Infants: Nursing bottle decay affects front teeth It is caused by baby going to sleep with a bottle of milk or sweet drink. Use only boiled water in bottle and remove once baby is asleep.

Children: Limit your child's eating episodes to 5 times a day. Continuous eating and drinking can cause tooth decay. Restrict frequent intake of food and drink with high sugar content. Encourage a healthy diet.

For further information see our Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums page.

Prevention

We can carry out the following treatments:

• Fissure sealants
• Referral to Orthodontist at appropriate age
• Custom-made sports mouthguards
• Fluoride treatments