Nutrition and your child's teeth

Other tips for your child's teeth

• If your child chews gum, encourage him or her to choose xylitol-sweetened or sugar-free gum. Xylitol has been shown to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and the chewing action helps increase the flow of saliva. However this must not be done to excess or it may encourage teeth grinding, which brings its own problems.
• Use fluoride toothpastes and brush and floss your child's teeth daily. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to use a fluoride toothpaste every day. Fluoride toothpaste should only be used in children old enough to spit out rather than swallow the toothpaste. When used correctly, the fluoride seeps inside the tooth to reverse early decay. Brush your child's teeth at least twice a day and after each meal or snack if possible. If brushing between meals is not possible, at least rinse the mouth with water several times. Floss your child's teeth at least once a day to help remove particles between the teeth and below the gum line.
• Brush your child's teeth after giving him or her medicine. Medicines such as cough syrups contain sugar that bacteria in the mouth use to make acids. These acids can eat away at the enamel - the protective top layer of the tooth.
• Visit the dentist regularly. It is generally recommended that you take your child to the dentist starting at about 6 months or at the sign of the first tooth breaking through the gums. Getting regular dental check-ups will also help catch any developing dental problems early.