What does it mean if my child's nursery says it is tooth-friendly?
If your child's nursery joins the Stop The Rot campaign, it has made a pledge to help prevent tooth decay.
It may ask you to make some small changes. For example, it could ask you to bring in fruit instead of cake on your child's birthday. It is also likely to ask you to provide a kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste and a small cup so that your child can brush their teeth at nursery. Your nursery will also ask you to sign a consent form to say that you are happy for your child to brush their teeth at nursery.
Being tooth-friendly at home and at nursery is an important part of teaching children good habits that last a lifetime.
Why should I be concerned about tooth decay now, since my child will grow another set of teeth when they are older?
It is a common misconception that teeth are simply 'replaced.' Children can develop their adult teeth under their 'baby' teeth. If your child has tooth decay, the disease can damage new healthy adult teeth.
Tooth decay is very painful and can prevent a child from sleeping and eating. Dentists cannot administer a general anaesthetic for treatment and when a tooth needs extracting, they face two choices: take the tooth out while the child is awake by injecting their gums, or add the child to a lengthy hospital waiting list. Both options are distressing, and no matter how good your dentist is with children, extraction is upsetting for everyone involved.
Good dental care is also like healthy eating. If you teach children about its importance from the earliest age, they are likely to develop good habits that last a lifetime and save them pain and ill health in the future.
What changes should I introduce at home?
If your child's nursery has joined the Stop The Rot campaign, your child will already be feeling the benefit of a tooth-friendly diet. As a parent, it is important that you check labels for hidden sugars and limit the amount of sugary foods. Snacks could be fresh fruit. Fizzy drinks and squash damage teeth, so give children milk and water to drink instead. If you do allow your child to have a sugary treat, make sure that they drink a glass of milk or eat a small piece of cheese afterwards to help neutralise the acid.
Children often become addicted to sweets because they are associated with comfort and reward. But there are other ways to treat your child. Small inexpensive toys, stickers and puzzles last far longer and also save your child's appetite for a nutritious meal.
When and how should I brush my child's teeth?
You should begin to brush as soon as teeth appear in the mouth, using a soft baby's toothbrush. A high fluoride toothpaste is recommended. Normal adult toothpaste is perfectly acceptable, and encourages children to get used to the taste of it.
It is a good idea to brush your teeth after every main meal in front of your child - children learn by example.
Brushing teeth should be part of any daily routine. Think of ways to make it easier - for example, ensuring that your child brushes their teeth after a wash in the morning will save you two trips to the bathroom!
