Keeping Teeth Clean

Chances are your pearly whites are looking pretty good, but last year's National Dental Survey found that half of all people are failing on basic oral health care. So it's no surprise that we're being urged to go back to oral basics in the next few days. Yes, for four weeks, we're going to be brushing, flossing, cleaning, swilling, and hopefully beaming!

The foundation will promote the three key messages: to brush twice-a-day with fluoride toothpaste; to cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks and to visit the dentist regularly, as often as he recommends.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Foundation, said: "Twice daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste is the most important element of any oral health routine, yet over half of people questioned in our survey admitted to brushing for less than two minutes, one in five admitted to brushing less than twice-a-day and around a third are oblivious to the benefits of fluoride.

To help children master the basics of good oral care at a young age, parents and schools are encouraged to support the concept of National Smile Month: more than half of people claim that they never brush for less than two minutes, accepted research tells us that in fact most brush for only around 45 seconds. To demonstrate how long it should take, and with all clocks and watches covered, ask your children to brush their teeth for as close to two minutes as they can. Two minutes seems a long time under pressure, and most will turn off the tap early, while even those who reach the full two minutes will be surprised at how long it seemed. The two-minute challenge is a fun and informative way of demonstrating correct brushing time.

Packing a Healthy Lunch— Developing good eating habits early on means that children are more likely to take them into adulthood. National Smile Month is the ideal time to take a look at what goes into your child's packed lunch and consider ways of improving it. Look to replace high sugar, salt or fat content foods with healthier options such as potatoes, fruit and vegetables. And crisps, chocolate and fizzy drinks should also be replaced with tooth-friendly snacks like breadsticks, milk and water.

HOW CAN CHILDREN PREVENT TOOTH DECAY?—The main cause of tooth decay is not the amount of sugar in the diet, but how often it is eaten or drunk. Every time children eat or drink anything sugary, their teeth are under attack from the plaque acids for up to one hour. This is because the sugar mixes with the bacteria in the plaque to produce the harmful plaque acids. This is why it is important to keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes only. Thorough brushing twice a day, particularly last thing at night, will help to prevent tooth decay.

HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY CHILD'S TEETH?

• You may find it easier to stand or sit behind your child, cradling their chin in your hand so that you can reach their top and bottom teeth more easily.
• It is important to supervise your child's brushing until he/she is at least seven. Once all the teeth have come through, use a small-headed soft toothbrush in small circular movements and try to concentrate on one section at a time.
• Don't forget to brush gently behind the teeth and onto the gums.
• If possible make tooth brushing a routine—preferably in the morning, and last thing before your child goes to bed.

SHOULD I USE FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE?—Fluoride comes from a number of different sources, including toothpaste. The current advice is to use a pea-sized smear of toothpaste containing at least 1000ppm of fluoride.

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO THE DENTIST?

—You should take your child regularly, as often as your dentist recommends. This will let them get used to the noises, smells and surroundings and prepare them for future visits.

WHAT SORT OF BRUSH SHOULD CHILDREN USE?

—Children should brush their teeth using a small-headed toothbrush with soft, nylon bristles, suitable for the age of your child.

The British Dental Health Foundation is the UK's leading oral health charity and is responsible for promoting National Smile Month. It runs a Dental Helpline consumer advice service on 0845 0631188, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or visit www.dentalhelpline.org.uk.