1.

Fluoride

Fluorine, a natural element in the fluoride compound, is effective in minimizing childhood cavities and tooth decay.  Fluoride is an ingredient in many brands of toothpaste, oral gel, and mouthwash, and can be found as an additive in most community water supplies.  Overuse of fluoride can result in fluorosis. As your pediatric dentist we are able to monitor fluoride levels, and check that your children are receiving the right amount.

Fluoride helps to minimize mineral loss from tooth enamel and promotes re-mineralization of tooth enamel. Fluoride protects tooth enamel from acid attacks from food and drink and reduces the risk of childhood tooth decay.

3.

Diet

If your child is generally healthy and eating a good, well-balanced diet, he or she will likely have healthier gums and teeth. A healthy diet provides your children with the nutrients to grow and to develop healthy gum tissue, strong bones and teeth, and protect from disease and illness.

4.

The Impact of Sugar

 In addition to candy and chocolate, many fruit snacks are also full of sugar; which attracts oral bacteria that grow on the food debris left on, or around, the teeth.  These bacteria often produce enamel-attacking acids.  When tooth enamel is attacked by acids, the enamel may erode and even attack the gums and the jaw bone which, in turn, may result in childhood periodontal disease.

Fight tooth decay with regular checkups and cleaning at our pediatric dentistry clinic.  Parents also need to ensure that children have a healthy, reduced sugar diet as part of their at-home care. For snacks, consider vegetables such as celery, carrot sticks, and plain unsweetened yoghurt.

As a pediatric dentist, we strongly recommend that you eliminate sweet and/or carbonated drinks from your child’s diet – they are not providing any nutritional value – offer water or milk instead.  Also avoid ‘sticky foods’ such as fruit leathers.  Sticky foods are hard to remove from the teeth and bacteria from the food may have a negative dental health impact.

Hear from our patients

An absolutely amazing team of people here. I have never felt so comfortable going to a dentist as I do with meadow gate :) I highly recommend this practise to anyone looking for a respectable team to care for your oral problems. Definitely a 10/10 for me and will recommend them to anyone who asks!

– Heidi