Advice
for parents and their young children
Did you know that you can get your N.H.S. treatment free while you are expecting and until your baby is one year old?
Many mothers have bleeding gums during pregnancy. This seems to be due to changes in your hormone levels which generally return to normal after baby is born. It is however, very important to keep the teeth as clean as possible and regular visits to our hygienist may be recommended.
Children's Teeth
Diet
- Keep fruit drinks to mealtimes only. NEVER give fruit juices from a bottle - use a feeder cup or spoon. Give cooled boiled water or milk between meals (not mineral water which may not be sterile or contain too much salt)
- If your child requires medicine, make sure that it is sugar-free. Always ask your doctor or chemist for sugar-free medicines.
- It is difficult to cut out sweets altogether, but please try to give them at mealtimes - to save tooth loss and pain later.
- When baby's teeth first come through (about 6 months) put a smear of baby toothpaste on your finger and rub the teeth gently.
- As more teeth appear, start to use a baby toothbrush with infant toothpaste (only a smear) and brush the teeth and gums. The area where the teeth and gums meet needs special attention.
- Children will need their teeth cleaning for them until they are about seven years old.
Visiting the dentist
Every time you come to the dentist bring the children with you. Infants can be registered at any age, but do remember to bring the "Red Book" so that it can be stamped. Regular visits accustom children to the sounds and smells of the practice - they get to know where the toys are too!
It may help if you play "Going to the Dentist" at home, and let other members of the family brush baby's teeth.
