Preventing Tooth Decay In Children

Helping younger family members reach adulthood with healthy teeth.

Over thirty years ago, Mike Allen’s Dental Practice was set up in Burton Upon Trent, predominantly to provide general dental care. Time may have moved on, and we now also offer cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, along with sophisticated procedures like dental implants; but preventative dental care is still at the very heart of what we do.

Our dental team firmly believe that the results of learning how to care for teeth, as young children, will continue well into our adult years. With this in mind, we take a look at how parents can help to make sure their children have healthy teeth and gums.

Keep on eye on what they are eating

As children get older, it will be harder to monitor what they eat outside the home. If you are careful about what you feed them from a young age though, there is a chance that they will develop less of a sweet tooth than if you spoil them with sweets etc. Try to encourage them to eat healthily, with perhaps a few sweeter foods for a treat.

Supervise brushing

Young children often have very short attention spans and, even if you do supervise them whilst they brush their teeth, they may well start to tell you about their day and become distracted during the two minutes allocated brushing time. This will not contribute to good cleaning and you may need to add additional time until you are satisfied they have brushed them well.

Sugary drinks versus water

It is thought that one of the biggest causes of tooth decay in children is the consumption of sugary carbonated drinks. Whilst these drinks have always been around, it seems that more and more parents allow their children drink these every day. The sugars and acids in these drinks are incredibly harmful to young teeth so really they should be given water to quench their thirst, with sugary drinks being allowed only as a special treat.

Pop along to Mike Allen’s in Burton!

If you live in Burton Upon Trent, why not make an appointment to see our family dentist. Our team are very child friendly and will help your child to relax. The younger you start to bring them, the more likely they are to see a dental visit as very normal and nothing to be feared. With the modern diet, it is likely that some children will need the odd filling here and there, but it is much better for them if the fillings are given in the early stages of decay. This can only happen if we are able to monitor on a six monthly basis and leaving it for longer is likely to result in deeper and more advanced tooth decay.

You may also wish to consider hygienist appointments for your children and this small investment is a great way to help your children grow up with healthy teeth and gums.

If you would like to make an appointment for your child to see a dentist, please ring Mike Allen’s Dental Practice on 01283 845345.