Children are very welcome and encouraged to attend the practice. We feel these very special patients require a special effort to encourage good dental habits from an early age as it is possible for the early detection and prevention of dental decay.
Fluoride varnish and fissure sealants
These are 2 quick and painless preventive treatments – are available on the NHS from your dentist.
Fluoride varnish can be applied to both baby teeth and adult teeth. The process involves painting a varnish containing high levels of fluoride onto the surface of the tooth to prevent decay. It works by strengthening tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
Fissure sealants can be done once your child’s permanent teeth have started to come through (usually at the age of about six or seven) to protect them from decay. This is where the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are covered with a special thin plastic coating to keep germs and food particles out of the grooves. The sealant can last for as long as 5 to 10 years.
Ask your dentist if your child could benefit from fissure sealing or fluoride varnish.
Good nutrition starts in the mouth. Saliva mixes with food to travel into the stomach for further digestion. Eating a healthy diet such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy are naturally low in sugar and have abundant vitamins and minerals. Children that eat a poor diet such as excessive amounts of potato chips, juices, processed foods, and sweets are at risk for developing teeth problems.
Too Much Sugar Potato chips, juices, processed foods, and candy are high in sugar and calories. The sugar content in these food stick to the surface of teeth. Bacteria feeds on the sugar and breaks down the enamel in teeth. Over time, cavities, gum disease and rotten teeth will develop. Replacing high sugar foods with low calorie sugars or decreasing the amount of high sugar foods will help prevent teeth and gum problems.