To reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay and dental erosion:

- Firstly take your child to the dentist regularly

- Try to not give your child too many sugary or acidic foods and drinks

- Build into your child’s daily routine to brush his/her teeth twice a day with at least 1,000ppm fluoride toothpaste

- Try to encourage your child to spit out toothpaste and not rinse with water, as this reduces the effect of the fluoride

- Listen to your Dentist’s advice about protective treatments such as fluoride supplements and fissure sealants

Healthy ‘Teeth’ Diet

Reducing the 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. 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, etc.

Fruit, vegetables, cheese and milk are all healthier snacks because they contain 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 neutralise the acid in your child’s mouth.

Older children can chew sugar-free gum (Orbit) after meals, especially containing Xylitol, as this helps prevent tooth decay.

Plain water and plain milk doesn’t cause tooth decay or erosion. Your child may find it hard to drink plain water or milk if he/she usually has sweet drinks, but most children get used to it over time.

If you have any questions about this subject, please do not hesitate to contact us at the Studio.