How do I ensure my child enjoys healthy teeth?

Children are born free from dental disease, yet by adulthood 95% of the population has active gum disease and most people have experienced some tooth decay and even tooth loss.

At Drayton Dental Care it is our belief that dental disease can be prevented - and we feel so passionately about this that we provide FREE dental health examinations for children right up until their 18th birthday, when a parent joins our practice membership plan..

In order to maintain a healthy mouth and confident smile for life it is essential that effective dental care starts early. Families at our School Road practice in Drayton near Norwich are encouraged to bring their children to us for their initial visit as soon as their first tooth appears.

Regular visits to our dentists Debbie Paramani and Vasiliki Stamatoukou are vital for maintaining long-term dental health to help keep mouths free from tooth decay and gum disease. By teaching children the most effective brushing techniques from a young age, they will take these skills into adulthood.

When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?

Our advice is start early! As soon as their first tooth appears introduce your child to a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Children up to three years old should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1,000ppm (parts per million), after that we should all use toothpaste that contains 1,350ppm - 1,500ppm. Children should use a pea-sized amount on their toothbrush and babies just a smear.

How do I brush my baby’s teeth?

Babies love putting things in their mouths, so hopefully they will automatically attempt to put their toothbrush in there too. Make this time fun and if all they want to do is chew on the brush to start with, let them.

Make small circular movements with the brush, covering all tooth surfaces. Parents can also brush their teeth at the same time as their child to encourage a good brushing style.

Brush the teeth twice a day and keep an eye on your child’s technique until they can be trusted to brush thoroughly on their own, at around seven years old.

Looking for a new dentist that cares for families? We welcome new patients and emergency patients from across Drayton, Taverham, Hellesdon, Horsford, Thorpe Marriott and the surrounding Norwich villages. We look forward to hearing from you and your family.

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