Sparklysmile’s Iain Soulsby has hints and tips for caring for children’s’ teeth
With a name like Sparklysmile, you might think that Sparklysmile’s family-run dentist practice in Blackheath Village is all about cosmetic dentistry. However, our first priority is providing our patients with 21st Century dental excellence, giving them the confidence and comfort of having healthy teeth and gums, for life – and that starts right from being an infant, through childhood and in to old age.
Our first intention definitely is prevention.
Parents often have questions about how to take care of their children’s teeth. When should you start brushing? What kind of toothpaste is best? When should you go to the dentist?
Although you don’t necessarily need to brush them yet, you should start cleaning your infant’s teeth as soon as they get their first tooth (and the gums even before they get teeth). At first, you can just use a flannel to clean your infant’s teeth. As they get more, you can use a soft children’s toothbrush.
Fluoridated toothpaste
A young person with developing teeth benefits from a small amount of fluoride in toothpaste. Most brands of kids’ toothpaste are lightly fluoridated and have different flavors to make them more fun for children. You still don’t want your children to swallow too much of the toothpaste so use just a small smear of toothpaste until your toddler is about two years old. Then, you can start to use a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste, so that either way, there is little chance of getting too much fluoride if they swallow it. And begin to encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste at a young age.
First visit to the dentist
An early visit to the dentist is a good way to learn proper oral hygiene including avoiding night time bottles or sippy cups of formula or juice, proper toothbrushing, and a healthy diet that promotes good dental health. We like to see children when they get their first tooth and usually not later than 1 year of age so that they get used to coming to see us.
Hygienist appointments
We recommend some initial instruction with our friendly hygienist team as a great way to introduce and reinforce good brushing habits. And our younger patients feel much more in control of their own dental care once they have had this one to one help.
In addition to teaching your children the importance of regular brushing and flossing, routine visits to the dentist and a healthy diet, it is important that you set a good example by also practicing good dental hygiene yourself. Making some family time to do it together.
What about flossing?
You can usually begin flossing once your child’s teeth are touching each other, but they likely won’t be able to floss on their own until they are 8 to 10 years old.
Sealants
A sealant is a special material that is applied to the teeth, hardens, and provides a barrier against plaque and other harmful substances. Sealants can be applied to the 1st and 2nd permanent molars to help protect the grooves and pits of these teeth that can be hard to clean and are prone to developing cavities, and appropriate premolars as soon as possible after they erupt (usually after 6 years of age). Though not used on all people, if your teeth appear to be susceptible to problems then sealants are another way we can help you protect your child’s teeth.
Further information
Sparklysmile Dental Practice: sparklysmile.co.uk