Dental Advice for children 0-6

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It is recognised that early visits for children under the age of 3 years are vital for
delivering key preventive messages, acclimatisation and beginning a positive,
lifelong relationship with NHS dentistry.
So, what needs to be delivered during a visit?
 Children under the age of 3 years are usually termed “pre-cooperative” – they are
unlikely to sit still and have a check-up – so be prepared. Undertake a clinical
examination if it will not result in undue anxiety for the child. They can be
examined in a parent’s arms, or on a parent’s lap, or you can use a knee to knee
posture1
.
 Parents should be reassured by their dental professional that it is normal for children to be uncertain and possibly a little
worried – after all it is a new experience. Things will improve with
familiarisation and regular attendance.
 Prevention messages and intervention should be in line with Delivering Better
Oral Health
as per the below:

Prevention of caries in children aged up to 3 years of age
Advice;
 Breast feeding provides the best nutrition for babies
 From six months of age infants should be introduced to drinking from a free-flow
cup, and from aged one year feeding from a bottle should be discouraged
 Sugar should not be added to weaning foods or drinks
 Parents/ carers should brush or supervise tooth brushing
 As soon as teeth erupt in the mouth brush them twice daily with a fluoridated
toothpaste
 Brush last thing at night and on one other occasion
 Use fluoridated toothpaste containing no less than 1,000 ppm fluoride
 It is good practice to use only a smear of toothpaste
 The frequency and amount of sugary food and drink should be reduced
 Sugar free medicines should be used
Children aged 0-6 years giving concern (e.g. those likely to develop
caries, those with special needs)
Advice;
 Breast feeding provides the best nutrition for babies
 From six months of age infants should be introduced to drinking from a free-flow
cup, and from aged one year feeding from a bottle should be discouraged
 Sugar should not be added to weaning foods or drinks
 Parents/ carers should brush or supervise tooth brushing
 As soon as teeth erupt in the mouth brush them twice daily with a fluoridated
toothpaste
 Brush last thing at night and on one other occasion
 Use fluoridated toothpaste containing 1,350 to 1,500 ppm fluoride
 It is good practice to use only a smear of toothpaste
 The frequency and amount of sugary food and drink should be reduced
 Where medication is given long term – request that it is sugar free, or used to
minimise cariogenic effects
Children aged 0-6 years giving concern (e.g. those likely to develop
caries, those with special needs)
Professional intervention
 Fluoride varnish should be applied by a dental professional to teeth two or more times a year
 Reduce recall interval ie 6 months to 3 months returning to see a dental professional
 Diet sheets and investigation in to dietry habits should be carried out with a dental professional and assist adoption of good dietary practice in line with the
Eatwell Guide.
 Where medication is given frequently or long term, liaise with the medical
practitioner to request that it is sugar free, or used to minimise cariogenic effects.