When should children start cleaning their teeth? How many times a day should they clean their teeth initially?
Children should start cleaning their teeth as soon as their teeth become present. Use a fluoride toothpaste from the age of 2, prior to this age a non fluoridated toothpaste is best to avoid discolouration of the teeth through ingestion of tooth much fluoride.
A pea sized amount of toothpaste is sufficient and avoid swallowing it! Cleaning teeth twice a day is adequate.
Many children hate the ritual of teeth cleaning before bed, in your opinion, what is the best way to encourage them? And what is the best way to brush children's teeth? Is it better that they do it or the parent?
Try to make cleaning teeth fun rather than a chore, i.e timing aids such as egg timers, themed tooth brushes, flavoured toothpastes e.g strawberry and praise for a job well done! I would suggest parents clean the teeth until you are condident that the child can perform the task confidently. Regular visits to the dentist, starting at a very young age, can also be a good encourager for your child to maintain good dental health.
Do you recommend any specific toothbrushes or toothpaste?
No, but a small head with soft bristles and a fluoride toothpaste for those over the age of 2 and with good technique.
In general, how would you rate the condition of the children's teeth you have seen in Barcelona? Have you seen more serious cases over recent years as childrens' diet tend to include more sugary foods and juices?
I fear that I see too many incidences of decay from high sugar diets and poor oral hygiene.
What are the key foods to avoid giving to children if they are to maintain healthy teeth?
Avoid high sugar foods and drinks, be aware that many juices also have a high sugar content. It is also important to regulate the frequency of sugar intake. I.e avoid nightime sugary drinks after cleaning teeth and mid morning sugar snacks unless they plan on cleaning their teeth at lunchtime. It is also advised to brush teeth after breakfast as many cereals and breads contain sugar.
At what age do you suggest most parents should take their children to the dentist for the first time? And after that, how often should they get a check up?
I like parents to bring their children in to the dentist at least from the age of 2. This helps build familiarity and confidence as well as allowing educating with regards to brushing and diet. 6 months visits should be sufficient. A visit to the dentist does not need to mean a filling!
What are the signs if a parent suspects their child may need a filling or other dental treatment?
Discomfort on eating, avoiding hot or cold foods, temperature, redness of cheeks, discolouration of teeth, pain. Again regular attendence at a dentists will usually avoid this situation.
Many children fear going to the dentist for treatments, how do you ensure their experience will make them feel at ease?
As with any fear it can usually be overcome with familiarity to the dental practice and staff. Building confidence through educating and giving the patient control. Parents unfortunately often pass on their own fears to their children. Its best to avoid words such as needle, pain, drill when talking an upcoming visit to the dentist. We prefer words such as clean, healthy and smile!
We rarely provide treatment for a child until they have attended for familiarisation visits, i.e meeting staff, playing with equipment and computers.
For children whose teeth require some type of straightening, what treatments do you offer? What is the best age to have a brace or similar? is it always better to wait until all adult teeth have come through?
Orthodontics can start as early as 8yrs and can start as late as you like! There are numerous treatments available as each case needs to be treated individually.
Aside from check-ups and basic dental treatments such as fillings, what other services do you offer for adults?
The British Dental Clinic offers a full range of treatments including Cosmetic Dentistry, Adult Orthodontics and Dental Implants. Our caring staff are happy to discuss any treatments you might be interested in. Wer also have interactive software to explain your treatment without to much jargon!
If people are interested in your services what is the best way to get in touch?
The British Dental Clinic is situated on Avda. Diagonal 281, Barcelona.
Our website is about to be updated but its address is, www.thebritishdentalclinic.com.
You can email me on, sophie@thebritishdentalclinic.com
Or phone, 932 658 070 mobile, 607 332 335
November 2011
