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UK Against Fluoridation

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

HARD TOOTH Millions of Brits don’t know how to look after their kids’ teeth – risking cavities and rotten teeth

A quarter of adults think it doesn’t matter if their kids develop cavities in their baby teeth

By Andrea Downey, Digital Health Reporter
 A third of parents wait until their children have all their baby teeth before taking them to the dentistMILLIONS of British parents are putting their children’s health at risk by not looking after their teeth properly, according to research.

A quarter of adults think it doesn’t matter if their kids develop cavities in their baby teeth, and admit to a lack of knowledge about oral health in children.
And nearly a third of parents in the UK wait until their children have all their milk teeth before taking them to the dentist for the first time, according to the study of 1,000 parents with kids under 13.
Nyree Whitely, the group clinical director for mydentist, which commissioned the research, said: “There is a common misconception that baby teeth do not matter.
“But the truth is that they are essential for speech, the structure of the face and holding space for the adult teeth to erupt into. If there is decay it can lead to infection, discomfort and potentially damage the permanent teeth below.
“It is essential that parents regularly take their children to the dentist as soon as their baby has their first tooth or turns one – whichever is sooner.
“Children’s appointments are free and where appropriate include a fluoride varnish treatment that can help protect against decay.”
More than half of parents in the UK stop helping their children brush their teeth too early, and two thirds had no idea what kind of toothbrush their child should be using.
Parents also admit to confusion over fluoride in toothpaste, with half saying they don’t check or wouldn’t know how much should be in their toothpaste.
One in 10 parents would happily give their child a drink of fruit juice after brushing their teeth and before going to bed.
 Take your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth comes through.
  • Give your child water or cold milk before bed if they need a bedtime drink.
  • Encourage your child to spit out excess toothpaste after they brush, but not to rinse or gargle.
  • Give your child a soft, small headed toothbrush for brushing.
  • Use a timer to ensure your child brushes for the full, recommended, two minutes.
  • Your child should be brushing twice a day, before bed and at least one other time during the day.
  • Always check the fluoride levels in the toothpaste you buy your child - Fluoride is a natural mineral found in drinking water and many foods. It plays an important role in your child’s oral health by strengthening their tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay.

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