Good dental hygiene is a fundamental part of a child’s health. Tooth decay is the major reason that children lose their teeth. One way you can help prevent tooth decay is to show your child how to brush their teeth properly. You can also help them maintain their oral health by not giving them sugary foods and drinks, and by taking them to the dentist from a young age.
At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we urge our patients to bring their children for regular check-ups and cleanings at our clinic. Rather than fixing things when they are broken, we take preventive action against tooth decay. Our experienced dentist in Harley Street will examine your child’s teeth thoroughly and remove plaque and bacteria. They might also suggest additional preventive measures against tooth decay such as fluoride or dental sealants.
Preventing tooth decay
Tooth decay is very common among young children and even babies can get it, particularly if allowed to suck slowly on bottles containing milk or fruit juice. Children can start using a toothbrush under the age of two, but use only water until your child reaches 18 months. Once your child learns to use toothpaste properly and not swallow it, use one that contains fluoride.
For children aged 18 months to five years, it is best to use a low-fluoride toothpaste. Put a pea-sized amount on the toothbrush and brush your child’s teeth after every meal and before bed. These measures are really important for preventing tooth decay.
Regular check-ups by a dentist in Harley Street will also help with good dental habits and can prevent costly and painful problems later. Your dentist in Harley Street can help teach you and your child about good food and drink choices and proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Finally, your dentist can also provide fluoride applications and dental sealants to protect your children’s teeth from developing decay. Fluoride applications are painted directly onto the teeth, whereas sealants are thin plastic coatings attached to the surfaces of the teeth.
It is important that the first visit to the dentist in Harley Street happens while your child still has baby teeth, to help promote habits that will protect their permanent teeth once they appear.