How to prevent tooth decay in children

Our aim at Redmires is to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth and gums for life. It’s a team effort, so here’s our advice to help reduce your children’s risk of tooth decay.

Tips for a tooth-friendly diet

• Keep the consumption of processed foods and ready-meals to a minimum, as these often contain hidden sugars
• Try to encourage children to drink only unsweetened milk or water between meals
• Restrict the consumption of sugary food and drinks to meal times, and a maximum of four times a day
• Healthy snacks for in between meals include raw carrots or peppers, oatcakes and breadsticks

Healthy habits start early

• Ensure children brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, once before bed without eating or drinking anything afterwards
• Supervise brushing up until the age of 7
• Children under 3 years old should use only a smear of toothpaste containing 1000ppm fluoride
• Children aged 3-6 may use pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing 1000ppm fluoride
• From age 7 onwards children may use toothpaste containing 1250-1500 ppm fluoride
• Encourage children to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing, rather than rinsing with lots of water

We advise you to bring your toddler along with you to your Healthy Mouth Checks so that they get used to regular visits to the dentist; it’s never too early to start working with you for a healthy smile!