Tooth decay has become a common problem amongst children in the UK. In a bid to try and reduce the issue, medical experts have suggested adding fluoride to tap water. They argue that doing so would help to reduce cavities by as much as 28% for the poorest children.

While a sugar-heavy diet is the biggest cause of tooth decay, there are many other factors that can impact our children’s dental health. If you want to make sure their gums and teeth stay healthy, practising correct dental hygiene is essential.

Here, we reveal the best ways to look after your children’s dental health.

Make sure they use a Fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in water. It is known to help keep the teeth and gums healthy, preventing tooth decay. The mineral does this by strengthening the enamel of the teeth and reducing the amount of acid released from bacteria in the mouth.

Children who use fluoride toothpaste when their teeth are developing don’t tend to have as many grooves in the teeth. This makes them easier to clean and therefore easier to keep healthy.

When choosing a fluoride toothpaste for the kids, pay attention to the ppm listed on the tube. Children aged up to six years old should use a toothpaste with 1000ppm of fluoride. Children aged six and over should use toothpaste with 1450ppm.
Brush twice each day

Though they may not like it, your children need to clean their teeth twice each day to maintain good oral hygiene. There are a lot of tricks children can pull to avoid cleaning their teeth. For this reason, it’s always worth supervising them while they do it.
Brushing twice each day is important because plaque is constantly forming on the teeth. If you only brush in the morning or at night, it allows plaque and bacteria to build up inside the mouth. This can lead to a whole host of oral health issues.

Watch their diet

What your children eat will play a big role in how healthy their teeth and gums are. High-sugar foods should be consumed in moderation. Similarly, you shouldn’t give your child too many high-sugar drinks. This includes fizzy drinks and fruit juices.

Take them to regular check-ups

Finally, if you really want to protect your children’s dental health, it’s important to take them to regular check-ups. A hygienist will be able to ensure the teeth are properly clean and any issues can be identified early.

At CK Dental, we understand not everyone loves going to the dentist. Our family dentistry service offers a gentle approach, suitable for anyone with a fear of going to the dentist. Book a consultation today to see how we can help protect your children’s dental health in Bristol.