The facts of the problem:
- Tooth decay is 95 % avoidable.
- 12% of 3 year olds have tooth decay.
- 25% of 5 year olds have tooth decay.
- Earlier symptoms of tooth decay in children are often untreated.
- Tooth decay is the most common reason for hospital admission in children under 10.
The information is from Public Health England, and their page was updated in February 2018.
3 tips to preserve children’s teeth:
- Nutrition matters! It’s important to reduce the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. It’s also important not to replace those with salty snacks.
- Children’s tooth-brushing should be supervised. Fluoride toothpaste should be used last thing at night, and at least once more during the day. The quantity of fluoride should be just a smear for under 3’s and pea-sized for 3-6 year olds.
- Babies should go to the dentist! A good time is once the first tooth has come though. All babies should visit a dentist before turning 1 year old.
The NHS supports children’s oral health.
The dental health of the population is important. All young people in the UK under 18 (under 19 if still in full time education) have access to free dental care. This is what Starting Well is all about! It’s never too soon for a baby to go to the dentist!
Modern dentistry focuses on preventive care. The teeth of young people today are better now than ever. But there’s still some way to go.
How to brush children’s teeth:
- two minutes twice a day
- one time should be last thing before sleep
- use a timer
- use a fluoride paste
- choose softer bristles
- guide the brush to all surfaces of the tooth methodically
- use a mirror
- keep it gentle
- spit but don’t rinse
- keep it fun family time
Further reading:
- SpaDental Whitchurch supports Starting Well
- SpaDental Plymouth is registering children
- Shocking statistics about child tooth decay
- Fluoride in the water
- When should I change my toothbrush?
- Dental topics in the news.