Welcome Parents and Little Smiles,
We're excited to share some fun and fascinating facts about teeth while offering essential tips to keep your little one's teeth happy and healthy. Children's dental care is of utmost importance, and we're here to guide you through the journey of nurturing those bright and happy smiles.
Fun Facts About Teeth
1. A Lifelong Journey: Did you know that humans have two sets of teeth during their lifetime? The first set is called "baby teeth" or deciduous teeth, and the second set are permanent teeth and these will last your lifetime!
2. Tooth Fairy Magic: We love children to believe in the Tooth Fairy who takes their lost teeth from under the pillow and leaves a small gift or money in exchange.
3. Tooth Enamel Superpower: Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, even stronger than bones! It helps protect our teeth from decay caused by bacteria and acids.
4. Different Types of Teeth: Each tooth in our mouth has a unique function. For example, incisors are for cutting, canines are for tearing, and molars are for grinding.
5. Count Your Teeth: By the time most children reach adulthood, they'll have 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth that usually come in during the late teens or early twenties.
Tips for Keeping Children's Teeth Healthy
1. Start Early: Begin cleaning your child's gums even before their first tooth emerges. Let your baby chew on a small headed toothbrush and they should be encouraged to look in the mirror to fully engage in this fun activity!
2. First Dental Visit: Your child's first dental visit should be around their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth appears. Early check-ups help establish a positive dental routine.
3. Brushing Together: Make brushing a fun family activity. Brush your teeth together with your child and let them choose their toothbrush with their favourite colour or cartoon character. Children's toothpaste should contain no less than 1000ppm of fluoride (always check the label!) and encourage your child to spit, not rinse.
4. Balanced Diet: Encourage a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains to support healthy teeth and gums.
5. Limit Sugary Treats: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as sugar is a major contributor to cavities. As a treat, sugary snacks or drinks should be given as part of a meal. Opt for water or milk in between meals rather than a snack.
Our Commitment to Your Child's Dental Health
We strive to make dental care a positive and enjoyable experience for children. Our friendly team is dedicated to promoting good oral hygiene habits and nurturing a lifelong love for dental health.
We look forward to welcoming your child to our practice!
The Team at Alderley Edge Dental