CHILDREN'S DENTISTRY

Things you should know.

      Teeth need Fluoride to stay strong and fight decay. It is important to help and encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with Fluoride toothpaste, especially before bed. Use a child’s toothpaste at first if your child is unable to spit out their toothpaste, as it contains half the amount of Fluoride. Once your child is able to spit out all their toothpaste, use normal toothpaste with the full amount for fluoride to protect their teeth.

  .   Drink tap water – as it has Fluoride to strengthen enamel as their adult teeth are developing. Some filters remove Fluoride, check you with the manufacturers.

  .   Provide healthy snacks in between meals such as cheese, fruit, yoghurt and vegetable sticks. Keep sugary and sticky foods for special treats, not everyday.

 .   Milk and juice bottles; try not to leave your child’s milk or juice bottle in the mouth overnight or for  prolonged time. Constant sipping of milk and juices over long periods increases risk of decay.

  .   Baby teeth are important! They maintain space for adult teeth to grow in straight. Losing milk teeth early  because of decay may cause pain and crooked teeth.

  .   Dental Sealants help prevent cavities. Your dentist can place a painless resin seal over the groove of your child’s permanent molars.

How to handle a dental emergency?

Knocked out teeth:

* Place the tooth in a container of milk, salt water, or the child's saliva. If unavailable use plain water or wrap it in cling wrap so it stays moist. Try not to touch the root.
* Bring the child and the tooth to your dentist immediately, within 30 mins, if possible.
* If bleeding is profuse, or continues, go to the hospital emergency room.

Broken tooth:

* Gently clean dirt from injured area with warm water.
* Place cold compress on the face to reduce swelling.
* Apply pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth.
* Go to the dentist as soon as possible.

Bitten lip or tongue:

* Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth.
* If swelling is present, apply cold compress.
* See your dentist as soon as possible.
* If bleeding is profuse or continues, go to the hospital emergency room.

In case of injury:

* Stay calm.
* Stop or control any bleeding by applying pressure.
* Notify parents or caregiver.
* If bleeding is profuse go to the emergency room.
* See your dentist as soon as possible.