National Children's Dental Health Month aims to raise awareness of the importance of good dental hygiene in children. This is especially important as results of the 2022 National Dental Epidemiology Programme survey of 5-year-olds in England (Gov.uk, 2023) showed that the national prevalence of children with enamel and/or dentinal decay was 29.3%. Overall, over a fifth of 5-year-olds in England had dentinal decay, where acid produced by plaque bacteria attack the tooth’s surface (enamel), leading to a small hole or cavity into the dentin layer. This layer is softer than enamel and less resistant to acid, causing teeth to be more sensitive. Among the 23.7% of children with experience of dentinal decay, each child had on average 3.5 teeth affected (at the age of 5 years, children normally have 20 primary teeth). If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection and even tooth loss!
As dental professionals we believe in preventive dental care and encourage patients to bring their children to the practice as soon as their milk teeth start to appear. Studies have shown that the younger the age you bring your child to the dental clinic, even if just for a check-up or to accompany older siblings, the more likely they are to have a positive experience and to grow up to not be afraid of the dentist.
If you have a child that is dental phobic, dentist Sarah Mack who is dental phobia certified has founded Little Smiles, a clinic dedicated to children's dentistry at Elmsleigh House. She works alongside dental hygienist Gillian to ensure children are seen in a welcoming and calm environment, are explained treatment in a language they understand and receive unrushed and gentle dental care.
If a child is especially anxious about treatment such as fillings or teeth extractions, Sarah can give inhalation sedation (also known as happy gas or gas and air) to help your child be more calm and even unaware of necessary treatment.
During all appointments, our dentists and dental hygiene team will offer preventive advice to ensure your child's teeth remain healthy; here are some useful tips (for adults too!):
Eating sweet treats throughout the day puts teeth under constant attack by acid-producing bacteria, increasing your child's risk of cavities and tooth decay. We recommend cutting down on sweets and sugary drinks, and reducing 'treats' to meal times only.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and their mouth healthy; drinking water after each meal or snack helps wash away food particles from teeth and prevents dry mouth and bacterial growth that leads to tooth decay. Fluoridated tap water additionally strengthens teeth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
We all should brush our teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes using toothpaste containing ≥1450ppm fluoride, as this helps protect teeth from cavities. It is best to spit not rinse after brushing, to avoid washing the protective fluoride from toothpaste away. Interdental brushes or dental floss can also be used to remove sticky plaque from in between teeth. It is important to supervise young children’s brushing, especially before they go to bed.
A diet balanced in vitamins, minerals, fresh fruit and vegetables is good for you and your child's overall health as well as helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It is also good to encourage healthy exercise and plenty of restorative sleep (for both child and parent!).
We encourage people of all ages to keep up regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments to look after your teeth and gums and help prevent problems developing. Mouth cancer checks are performed at all routine appointments, so they are important for general health as well as dental health.
Your child's dentist may recommend they see one of our dental hygienists for fissure sealants to protect your child’s teeth. They will use a tooth-coloured resin material to seal the grooves of the biting surfaces of teeth, reducing their risk of decay.
Dentists and hygienists work together as a team to look after teeth; they will recommend how often your child should see a dentist and hygienist tailored to their individual needs.
In this short video, dental hygienist Gillian shows how to clean teeth well at home, and you can use this to help supervise young children's brushing.
