Give us a SMILE!

Advice from the Irish Dental Association

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.   For healthier lunchboxes, 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. Thorough brushing twice a day for two minutes, 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.

Dental Services
All children are given dental checks and follow up if required, from the local Dental Clinic or HSE Health Centre. This service is usually accessed in the first place through a routine school visit and assessment by the dentist of pupils in 2nd, 4th and 6th classes. Oral Health promoters can arrange to visit schools to talk to children about their teeth.

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.

Useful contacts:

Irish Dental Association www.dentist.ie Tel: 01 2950072

Health Service Executive www.hse.ie or contact your local health clinic.