At the Southgate Dental Centre we welcome children, and we
try to ease their anxieties and fears as much as possible.
Children should start having regular dental visits at about
the age of 3. By that age, all the primary (milk) teeth will
be in the mouth and we can show the child how to brush them.
It is important to limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks,
especially as snacks. The teeth are the least prone to decay
if sugary foods are limited as an after-meal treat.
Children should start brushing their teeth
at about this age as well. The size of the brush should
be selected according to the age of the child. A very small
amount of toothpaste should be used. Fluoride mouthwashes
are a help in preventing decay, but they should be used
by older children, usually 6 -7 years old, so that there
is less risk of swallowing.
Sealants are a safe and painless way of protecting your
children’s teeth from decay. A sealant is a protective
plastic coating, which is applied to the biting surfaces
of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that
keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves
in the teeth and causing decay.
Sealants are applied on the back teeth which have deep
grooves on the biting surfaces. The permanent teeth are
usually sealed soon after they come through – usually
at 6 and 7 years of age.
The process is quick, straightforward
and completely pain free. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned,
prepared with a special solution,
washed and dried. The liquid sealant is then applied and set
hard by shining a powerful blue light. |
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Sealants usually last for many years, but will need to be checked
regularly to make sure the seal is still intact. Sometimes, the
dentist needs to add or replace sealants.
In summary, children’s teeth would be protected from tooth
decay by:
- Daily brushing of teeth and gums with a fluoride
toothpaste
- Reduction of snacks between meals to a bare minimum, and limiting
sugary food and drinks as an after dinner treat
- Use of Fluoride mouthwash ( over 6 years )
- Application of fissure sealants
- Yearly visits to the dentist
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