What can damage child’s teeth?
Caring of children’s teeth from an early age will help them to grow up with healthy teeth and gums. Tooth decay and dental erosion are two preventable causes of damage to children’s teeth.
If your child has tooth decay that isn’t treated by a dentist, it will eventually reach the centre of the tooth and can cause an infection or toothache.
Dental erosion
Dental erosion is the gradual wearing away of the enamel on the whole surface of the tooth. It’s caused by acid attacking the surfaces of the teeth. These acids usually come from drinks such as fizzy drinks, fruit juices and squashes even the sugar free varieties. Acids can also be produced if your child vomits or has stomach problems.
Dental erosion can cause sensitivity and pain. Although enamel doesn’t grow back, dental erosion doesn’t usually need treatment. If your child has a seriously eroded tooth, her or his dentist may protect the tooth with a filling.
How can be child’s teeth protected?
To reduce your child’s risk of dental erosion and tooth decay:
- Take your child to the dentist regularly.
- Don’t give your child high sugary or drinks or acidic foods often and if you do then try to only give them at mealtimes.
- Encourage your child to brush his or her teeth twice a day with at least 1,000ppm fluoride toothpaste.
- Encourage your child to spit out toothpaste and not rinse with water, as this reduces the effect of the fluoride.
- Ask your dentist about protective treatments such as fluoride supplements and fissure sealants.
Diet
Reducing sugar in your child’s diet is the best way to prevent tooth decay. However, it’s how often your child eats sugar rather than how much that is important. Similarly, it’s how often your child has acidic food and drinks rather than the amount that affects dental erosion.
Keep squashes, fizzy drinks, natural fruit juices, sweets and cakes to a minimum and never more than four times in a day. Don’t give your child sugary foods and drinks as snacks between meals or before bedtime. Watch out for hidden sugars in sauces, breakfast cereals and other foods.
Fruits, vegetables, cheese and milk are all healthier snacks because they contain only natural sugars. Remember, however that as well as natural sugars, fruit contains acids, which can cause decay if eaten in large amounts. You can help to protect your child’s teeth against erosion by finishing a meal with an alkaline food such as milk or cheese. This will neutralize the acid in your child’s mouth.
Older children can chew sugar-free gum after meals, especially gum containing xylitol, as this helps remove bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
Plain water and plain milk don’t cause tooth decay or erosion. Your child may find it hard to drink plain water or milk if he or she usually has sweet drinks, but most children get used to it over time.
Tooth brushing
You should start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as tooth come through the gums. There are special toothbrushes for babies.
Make tooth brushing a regular activity, in the morning and before bedtime, so that it becomes part of your child’s daily routine. Don’t brush for one hour after eating or drinking anything acidic(such as orange juice). This gives time for the teeth to build up their mineral content.
When your child is about seven, teach him or her how to brush his or her own teeth, using a gentle, circular motion and fluoride toothpaste. You should supervise your child while he or she is learning to brush. Give your child plenty of encouragement and praise. It’s a good idea to check how well he or she is getting on every few days.
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