Tooth decay is a wholly preventable condition, yet it remains the number one reason for child hospital admissions in England.
It can occur when acid is produced from plaque which builds up on your teeth. Without intervention this can cause dental problems including cavities, gum disease and abscesses resulting in toothache, tooth sensitivity, discoloration and bad breath.
To get tooth decay three things are required:
Plaque bacteria
Sugary foods
Susceptible teeth
Supervised brushing reduces the amount of harmful plaque present in the mouth, but most important is the reduction in the amount and frequency of sugary food intake.
Using fluoride toothpastes and having fluoride varnish placed on teeth will strengthen the enamel and make teeth more resistant to the acids from plaque that can cause tooth decay.
Did you know?
One in three adults and one in four children suffer from tooth decay.
Nationally, 170 children and teenagers undergo extractions in hospital under general anaesthetic every day.
Children between 11-18 years old get 40% of their added sugar from soft drinks.
40% of children have not seen a dentist in the last year.
One in four parents are unaware that routine check ups are free for children on the NHS.
One in four parents do not think it matters that children develop cavities in their milk teeth.
Top Tips for Avoiding Tooth Decay
Take your child to a dentist as soon as their first tooth comes through.
Don’t let your child go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup of milk or juice. Instead, only give them water after brushing teeth before bed.
Avoid eating any sugary food within an hour of going to bed.
Use a timer to ensure children brush for two minutes.
Brush twice a day before bed and one other time.
Only spit out after brushing, do not rinse as the ingredients in the toothpaste will continue to work if left in the mouth.
Most dentists would agree that junk food marketing aimed at children should be stopped and that any money made from the new sugar tax should be invested straight into children’s dentistry.
Information provided by Brompton House Dental Practice who are presently taking on children on the NHS and adults on private contract.