Every year, millions of people experience unnecessary discomfort, distress and even depression because of health problems with their teeth, gums and mouth.   Toothache is painful and upsetting, especially in children and the main cause is still tooth decay due to too much sugar, too often, in the diet.  The following information and advice on dental care is taken from The British Dental Health Foundation the leading UK-based independent charity working to bring about improved standards of oral health care. 

The time when babies get their first teeth varies but normally start to come through at around 6 months.  All 20 baby teeth should be through by the age of two.  The first permanent ‘adult’ molars (back teeth) will appear at about six years of age, behind the baby teeth and before the first teeth start to fall out at about six to seven years.  The adult teeth will then replace the baby teeth.  It is usually the lower front teeth that are lost first, followed by the upper front teeth shortly after.  All adult teeth should be in place by the age of thirteen, except the wisdom teeth which may erupt at any time between eighteen and twenty five years of age.

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.  Bacteria grow in a sticky coating on the teeth called plaque. They break down food sugars into acids that etch away at the surface enamel, leaking out the calcium and phosphate minerals to soften and destroy the enamel and dentine below. It is therefore important to keep sugary foods to mealtimes only.  If children are given sweets or chocolate, it’s less harmful for their teeth if they eat them all at once than if they eat them a few at a time.  When offering snacks  try to stick to cheese, vegetables and fruit, but not dried fruit.

It is also worth remembering that some processed baby foods contain quite a lot of sugar. Check the list of ingredients, the higher up the list sugar is, the more there is in the product.  Sometimes these are shown as fructose, glucose, lactose or sucrose. Never add sugar or put sugary drinks into baby’s bottle.  Milk and water are the best drinks for teeth. Bottle- feeding with drinks containing sugar can lead to ‘bottle caries’ (tooth decay).  If you can try to avoid using a dummy and discourage thumb sucking. These can cause problems with how the teeth develop and possibly result in treatment with a brace when older. Never dip your baby’s dummy or teething ring into fruit syrups, honey, fruit juices or anything containing sugars especially at bedtime.  These can expose the teeth to harmful acids, which can attack the newly formed teeth and cause decay.  A baby is not born with a sweet tooth and will only have a taste for sugar if it is given at an early age.

Thorough brushing twice a day, particularly last thing at night, will help prevent to tooth decay.

How should I clean my child’s teeth?

As soon as teething has commenced you should start cleaning your child’s teeth.  At first you may find it easier to use a piece of clean gauze or cloth wrapped around your fore-finger as more teeth appear start using a small headed soft toothbrush with a small smear of toothpaste.  Brush in circular movements and try to concentrate on one section at a time.  The important thing from the start is to get teeth brushing accepted as part of the everyday 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.
• Don’t forget to brush gently behind the teeth and onto the gums.
• If possible make teeth brushing a routine preferably in the morning and last thing at night before bed.
• It is important to supervise your child’s brushing until they are at least seven.
  Remember to encourage your child as praise will often get results.

Should I use fluoride toothpaste?

Fluoride is a natural element found in our diet that can help prevent tooth decay.  It is also present in many water supplies throughout the UK but usually at a level too low to be beneficial.  Although there a number of fluoridation schemes in the country,  90%  of the UK population live in areas with little or no fluoride in the water, therefore using fluoride toothpaste is very effective in the prevention of tooth decay.  For babies use a tiny smear and for children use a pea sized amount on the brush making sure 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 on the market, ranging from brightly coloured ones, some of which change colour, have flashing lights and timers to those with favourite characters on the handles.  All of which encourage children to brush their teeth.  The most important point is to use a small headed one with soft, nylon bristles, suitable for the age of your child.

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

Children can sense fear in their parents, so it’s 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 and if you have any fears don’t discuss them in front of your child, this will reinforce the fear for them.  Regular visits to the dentist are essential in helping your child get used to the surroundings and what goes on there.

Take your baby to your own routine check-up helping your baby get used to the surroundings, making going to the dentist a normal event.  Baby’s own check ups can start at about 6 months or from when the teeth start to appear.  Your dentist will be happy to advise you on this.  If you need to find a dentist, you can ask your local Primary Care Trust – the address and telephone number will be in the phone book – or contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

What if my child damages a tooth?

Contact your dentist immediately for an appointment.  It is not uncommon for the damaged tooth to discolour over time due to the trauma.

Top Tips For Teens And Beyond

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a brush with soft to medium bristles and brush for two minutes.
• Limit sugary food and drinks to mealtimes.
• Visit your dentist at least once a year.
• Floss once a day to help remove plaque and food from between the teeth.  Brushing alone only cleans up to 60% of the surface of your teeth.  There are other products you can buy to clean between your teeth (sometimes called ‘interdental brushes)
• Use a mouthwash to freshen your breath, dislodge food debris and kill bacteria.
• Use a straw with fizzy drinks as this helps them to go to the back of the mouth and reduces the number of acid attacks on your teeth.
• Wait for at least one hour after eating or drinking anything acid before you brush your teeth.
• Chew sugar-free gum after eating to help make more saliva and neutralise the acids which form in your mouth after eating.
• Smoking can cause tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss and mouth cancer.  If you smoke you may need to visit a dentist or hygienist more frequently but the best advice is to try and give up.  Alcoholic drinks are often high in sugar and can cause tooth decay or erosion if drunk in large amounts.

 The British Dental Health Foundation is an independent, UK-based charity dedicated to promoting the benefits of good oral health to the public throughout the world.
The Dental Helpline is the Foundation’s own confidential advice service.  Qualified dental professionals are available to answer your questions personally from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Or you can send them a question by e-mail through their website at any time www.dentalhelpline.org.uk Dental Helpline 0845 063 1188.

 Last thought

• If children are given sweets or chocolate, it’s less harmful for their teeth if they eat them all at once than if they eat them a few at a time.
• Milk and water are the best drinks for teeth.
• The main cause of tooth decay is not the amount of sugar in the diet but how often it is eaten or drunk.