How do I Look After my Child's Teeth?

 "When you see the numbers tallied up like this, it becomes abundantly clear that the sweet habits of our children are having a devastating effect on the state of their teeth" says lead researcher Professor Nigel Hunt.

"What is really distressing about these figures is that 90% of tooth decay is preventable through reducing sugar consumption, regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and routine dental visits".

At Castelnau Dentists in Barnes we are passionate about helping to ensure our younger patients (and of course their parents!) get into good oral healthcare habits when it comes to looking after baby teeth.

The key is to understand that tooth decay is totally preventable - largely by limiting sugary food and drink and making sure children visit the dentist regularly, as well as brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

• Limit sugary snacks (including fruit and dried fruit) and sugary drinks
• Brush as soon as your baby gets their first tooth
• Do it twice a day - morning and night - for about two minutes
• Use only a smear of toothpaste if your child is younger than three. Use a pea-sized blob thereafter
• Make sure the toothpaste is lower-strength, containing 1,000ppm fluoride
• Monitor your children brushing their teeth until they are least  years old (to ensure they are brushing properly)