How do I help my child look after their teeth?

How do I help my child brush well?

Around age 6 the first permanent teeth come through, and they are extra sensitive (1177). Brushing well matters, but it is hard for children to reach everywhere on their own (1177):

• Brush the whole tooth right up to the gum line: the outside, the inside and the chewing surface.
• Brush one tooth at a time along the row, with small, light movements. Holding the brush like a pen helps keep the pressure light.
• An electric toothbrush removes more bacteria than a manual one and can be used from age 3–4, but children still need help with it until about 10–12. On a small brush head, put 1 cm of toothpaste for the upper teeth, then another 1 cm for the lower teeth.

The NHS says that from age 7 most children can brush their own teeth, but it is still a good idea to watch that they brush properly for about two minutes. An egg timer or a mirror can help (NHS).

Why does fluoride matter?

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day is the best protection against tooth decay (1177). Fluoride slows down the damage that acid does to teeth and helps the surface repair itself. A fluoride mouth rinse can be a good extra if your child gets cavities easily, but avoid it for children under 5–6, who usually cannot rinse and swallow or spit out the liquid straight away (1177). At the dentist, children may be offered fluoride varnish, and fissure sealants on the back teeth, usually when the permanent back teeth come through at about 6–7 and again at 11–14 (NHS).

What do food and drinks have to do with it?

• When we eat sugar, bacteria on the teeth turn it into acid that attacks the teeth and causes holes (1177).
• Heated starch, such as crisps and cheese puffs, also makes the mouth acidic (1177).
• Regular meals, with breakfast, lunch, dinner and one to three snacks, give teeth time to recover between meals. Try to avoid grazing all day (1177).
• Plain water is best for teeth. Milk or water go well with meals. Avoid sugary drinks such as squash, fizzy drinks and sweetened tea (1177).

What do I do if a tooth is knocked out?

• Baby tooth: never put it back, as that can damage the permanent tooth underneath. Wrap it in paper, take it with you, and contact a dentist (1177).
• Permanent tooth: contact a dentist straight away, or the on-call dentist if they are closed. Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently under cold running water for about 10 seconds and push it back into place. Your child can bite on a handkerchief to hold it there (1177).
• If you cannot put it back, keep it in a glass of cow’s milk, or saline solution, or under your child’s tongue. Never keep it in water, which damages the root (1177).
• A broken-off piece of a permanent tooth should be kept in cold water and brought to the dentist, preferably within 24 hours (1177).

A mouthguard is a good idea for sports with a higher risk of tooth injuries, especially if your child has protruding front teeth (1177). In Sweden, a child who is injured during school time or on the way to and from school is insured through the school (1177).