1. What is tooth decay?

• Tooth decay is the most common disease which affects children.
• It is caused by mouth bacteria acting on sugars in foods/drinks, producing acids which eats away your child’s teeth.
• It causes toothache, infections and early loos of teeth.
• It affects a child’s quality of life adversely.

2. Ways to keep decay wasy

By the time your child turns 1, attempt to wean off the milk bottle for night need. Teach your child to drink from a cup as soon as he can hold one. Do not put your child to sleep with formula milk in a bottle as this can cause tooth decay. Brush your child’s teeth after (not before) their last milk feed. Formula milk is sweet. Frequent consumption of sweetened beverage in a milk bottle can cause severe tooth decay.

• Take your child to a child-friendly dentist when he/she truns 1 so that the dentist can assess his/her risk of developing tooth decay and advise on the appropriate use of toothpaste.
• Keep to 3 main meals and 1-2 snacks a day. Dried fruits such as raisins, sweetened cereals, cakes and biscuits with filling or fruit juices have high sugar content. Frequent consumption causes tooth decay.
• Brush your child’s teeth once they emerge (~ 6 months). Use a fluoridated toothpaste containing at least 1000ppm fluoride twice a day to prevent tooth decay. Make sure your child does not swallow toothpastes. Floss daily.

3. FAQs about fluoride

Why is fluoride good for teeth?

It protects your child’s teeth from tooth decay by strengthening it.

Are there any side effects of too much fluoride?

Yes. Your child can get fluorosis on their permanent teeth from swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste. Fluorosis results in a change in colour or texture of the teeth.

How do I prevent fluorosis?

1. Teach your child not to swallow toothpaste.
2. Control the amount of toothpaste used.
3. Ensure that toothpaste is not swallowed during toothbrushing.
4. Keep toothpaste out of reach.