Protecting your child’s teeth

As dentists, our number one concern is to conserve the natural teeth for as long as possible. Following a good daily oral hygiene routine is the key to this, but we can also provide additional protection through treatments like fissure sealing. 

Fissure sealants offer a simple way of protecting a child’s permanent molar teeth against decay, as it’s easy for food particles to get stuck in the tiny fissures on the chewing surface, meaning decay can set in. Treatment involves the tooth surface being chemically cleaned and a thin film of liquid plastic being run into the fissures, which then sets hard thereby sealing the fissures. The plastic naturally wears away over time. 

Helping the whole family

Following a good daily oral hygiene routine is essential for everyone, young or old. And it’s down to us, as adults, to make sure children’s teeth are protected.  

To do this, we need to monitor: 

• Brushing and diet 
• By being aware of things that could damage teeth or cause decay 
• By making children comfortable about coming to the dentist surgery 

Tooth decay is the main cause of toothache in children. In fact, you will probably be alarmed to learn that around a third of children aged 5-12 have visible signs of decay, according to the British Dental Health Foundation. 

If you’d like any tips or advice, feel free to bring your child along with you to your next appointment, so they can get used to the surgery, or book them in for a check-up of their own.