Childrens Dentist Essex! Childs Dentist Essex!

Plaque will start to form on your child’s teeth and gums as
soon as the first tooth appears. It is important to start a
suitable brushing routine as soon as your child’s teeth start
to appear to help prevent tooth decay and gum problems.
How should I brush my child’s teeth?

The easiest way to brush a young child’s teeth is from
behind, with them sitting on your knee. First gently raise
the chin resting their head against you so that you are
able to look down into their mouth. Then, gently brush
each tooth using circular strokes.


• Use a toothbrush suitable for your child’s age and
stage of tooth development. A small-headed soft
brush should be used initially.


• The use of colourful character toothbrushes
can help to make brushing fun for children.


A balanced diet is vital for any child – plenty of calcium, vitamins
and minerals are important for healthy teeth to form. To ensure
healthy teeth for life it is also important to avoid giving your child
unnecessary sugars.


• Milk and water are the only drinks that should ever be placed in
your baby’s bottle.

• Fizzy drinks (regular or diet), artifi cial fruit squash, drinking chocolate
and milkshakes can all cause harm to teeth. The sugar can lead to
decay, whilst the acid in fi zzy drinks and artifi cial fruit squash can
also attack the enamel covering the teeth (this is called acid erosion).
Limit fi zzy drinks to treats or for special occasions.


• Do not give your child sugary drinks in bottles or dip dummies
in sugary substances as these can cause tooth decay.

• Introduce your baby to a feeding cup as soon as possible.

• Fruit juice should be diluted (1 part juice to 10 parts water),
given in a cup and restricted to mealtimes.

• Avoid cakes, sweets and biscuits between meals. Instead choose
tooth friendly snacks, such as cheese or small pieces of vegetables
such as carrots or celery.

• A pea-sized amount of a fluoride toothpaste
should be used on the brush.

• Brush your child’s teeth twice a day.

• Ask us about the appropriate
fluoride level for your child.

Give us a call on 01375481000 and visit our website on www.basrai.co.uk