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Dental

Teething

Baby's teeth are being formed even before he or she is born. The first teeth should continue to erupt till three years of age.

Babies often have sore or tender gums when teething which can make them irritable. Often objects or fingers are placed in their mouth and bitten on. Dribbling may increase and the child may be very choosy or refuse food. The gums may appear red and possibly swollen at this stage. There may also be a rise in temperature, redness, pain and maybe swelling.

To relieve tender gums try gently rubbing them with a clean finger or the back of a small cool spoon. A clean, cold teething ring may also be soothing.

A non-aspirin based teething gel may also provide some relief. A pharmacist will be able to assist in this matter.
Children's first teeth are important because, apart from being needed for chewing and speaking, they help to keep spaces for the permanent teeth. If the first teeth are well looked after, then it is more likely that the second teeth will grow into their correct position.

Toothbrushing Feels Good

• A little mouth needs a small, soft toothbrush with just a smear of fluoride toothpaste
  

• Children learn by copying you or other family members
  

• Get them in the habit of cleaning their teeth twice a day

Baby Bottle Caries

It is important to know about baby bottle caries. It can be a serious problem for children who drink from a babys bottle. Baby Bottle caries is tooth decay caused by giving young children sweet liquids in a baby's bottle. It can result in rapid tooth decay at a very early age.

Baby bottle caries can occur if a feeding bottle is routinely left in a baby's mouth for a long period of time, particularly at bedtime. The sugars turn into acid which eats into the tooth enamel, causing decay.

The first sign of baby bottle caries may be dull white spots or lines on the front of teeth or between the teeth, particularly around the gum line. Dark or discoloured teeth may be signs of a more serious problem. If there is suspicion that an infant has baby bottle caries contact a dentist or dental therapist immediately.

Although baby bottle caries is a serious problem, the good news is that it can be easily prevented by putting a baby to sleep with a clean pacifier or a bottle filled only with water. Or better still, encourage babies to go to bed without anything.

Good Food - Healthy Teeth - Establishing Good Habits

Good nutrition is essential for healthy growth and development. Teeth, like the rest of the body need a balanced diet. It is important to ensure a child establishes the right eating habits to develop healthy teeth.

Childrens teeth can be protected by controlling his or her sugar intake. Encourage children to eat savoury snacks rather than chocolate, dried fruit and sweets. Raw vegetables and cheese are great snacks and are nutritious and cheap. It is not how much sugar a child eats, but how often he or she eats it. The more often a child eats sug­ary foods and drinks, the more chance he or she has of getting cavities. If a child does occasionally have sweet food the best time is at meal times rather than between meals. Increased saliva flow during meals helps neutralise the effects of sugar. It is a good idea to end a meal with a piece of cheese as this stimulates salivary flow.
(Reference: WellChild Health Prefessionals Booklet 2004)

The following person has agreed to act as a national contact for Dental Services with respect to WellChild/TamarikiOra

Andrea Jarrold

Operations Manager - Dental Services

Ph 09 839 0565 ext 6396