Does Your Baby Use a Dummy?

Many babies and young children find comfort in using a dummy, and just as many parents or caregivers are probably in the habit of licking the dummy whenever it’s dropped on the floor, before giving it straight back to the child. This isn’t really the best way to go about things, as studies have shown that the bacteria responsible for dental decay can be transmitted to your child. Contrary to belief, merely licking or sucking the dummy before giving it back to your baby will do absolutely nothing to get rid of the germs, but will add some more of your own.

Dentist LeedsBabies are born without any of these harmful bacteria in their mouths, but studies show that mothers typically infect their children before the age of two. However it’s something that can be just about impossible to avoid, as most parents will have eaten from the same spoon as their baby, and of course every adult wants to kiss their child and to ensure they know they are much loved. The problem is that if you have cavities, or are prone towards developing tooth decay, then you’re passing these bacteria straight onto your child. Once these bacteria are able to colonise your child’s mouth, then it’s likely he or she will be prone towards developing cavities too. Some people think that having poor teeth is something that is down to genetics, and while that may be partially true, it’s also down to whether or not the parent has high levels of decay causing bacteria.

Make Sure Your Mouth Is Clean and Free from Disease

So what can you do? Probably the best thing to do is to make sure your own teeth and gums are well cared for through visiting Leeds City Dentalcare at regular intervals for check-ups and professional cleanings with Dr David Brown or another of our dentist in Leeds. If you do have any signs of cavities, then these can be treated and filled if necessary and regular cleanings will help remove much of the bacteria that make their home in your mouth. Making sure you have great oral hygiene at home will also help tremendously, and of course it’s the perfect opportunity to get your young child into the habit of having their teeth cleaned twice a day.

It’s not all bad news, as some experts believe that swapping germs with your child could help to strengthen their immune systems, and may even help prevent them from developing certain allergies. A recent study found that parents who cleaned dummies in this way had children who were significantly less likely to develop eczema, one of the most common allergies there is. It’s true that babies need to be exposed to a certain amount of bacteria, viruses and other organisms in order for their immune systems to develop and mature, and if it doesn’t happen within a reasonable period of time then their system may overreact to harmless particles, something that can lead to allergies. Some people believe that we now keep our homes excessively clean, and that young babies’ immune systems may not be exposed to some of the organisms necessary for their development.

This might all sound very confusing, but perhaps the best way to approach it, is to make sure your oral health is the best it can be so you’re not passing on any excessive amounts of bacteria to your baby, and to try to clean the dummy under running water whenever possible. If you’re then caught short out shopping, and are faced with the prospect of an unhappy baby or sucking the dummy yourself, then at least you know you can do so with a reasonable amount of confidence.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Quick Facts About Your Baby’s Milk Teeth

It is something of a milestone when that first baby tooth erupts, and it doesn’t take long for the rest of the baby teeth to emerge. The first tooth can appear anytime around six months of age to a year, and most children will have all their baby teeth by the time they are three or four years old. Some parents think it’s not necessary to really care for these first teeth as they only last a few years. In fact the opposite is true, and it’s vitally important to look after your baby’s milk teeth so they are able to last until the adult teeth are ready to erupt.

  • Dentist leedsYour child will have 20 baby teeth, and these can also be called milk teeth or primary teeth. The first teeth to erupt are the lower central incisors, or their two front teeth, and these are soon joined by the upper central incisors. The next teeth to erupt are the incisors either side of the two front teeth, and these are called the lateral incisors. After this your child will get their first molar, and this is followed by their canines or eyeteeth. The last teeth to erupt are the second molars.
  • You may want to bring your child to visit Leeds City Dentalcare soon after that first tooth has erupted. Dr David Brown will be able to check all the teeth are developing normally, and can advise you on how frequently you need to schedule visits. The dental team in Leeds can also give you advice on how to look after these primary teeth, and how to prevent them decaying. This early dental care can go a long way towards preventing childhood caries.
  • Your baby may have sore gums when their baby teeth are trying to push through, and they may experience a number of symptoms. The most common is probably increased drooling, and you may notice them wanting to chew on toys or fingers. Our Leeds surgery can give you advice on how to deal with the symptoms and how to keep them more comfortable.
  • Get into the habit of cleaning their teeth regularly, and this could begin before they even begin to erupt. You can get them used to the sensation simply by wiping their gums with a clean flannel or damp piece of clean muslin. Ask our dentist in Leeds when you should begin using fluoridated toothpaste as it’s important not to start too early. You also need to remember your baby probably lacks the ability to spit out excess toothpaste!

This may seem a lot of troubles to go to for teeth that will fall out anyway within just a few years, so why bother? These primary teeth are not simply for show, as they help your baby learn to eat and chew properly, and to speak audibly. Milk teeth are designed to last until the adult teeth are ready to erupt, and help to maintain the correct spaces in the mouth. This ensures the adult teeth can erupt normally, and that they’re more likely to come through straight and strong.

Early childhood caries can cause real problems, as significant tooth decay can leave a child feeling uncomfortable or even in pain. Having to treat a child at such a young age could end up giving them a negative view of dental treatment, and this could last with them well into adulthood. In contrast early dental care could help maintain their milk teeth, ensuring their mouth remains healthy. Regular dental care will help them see there’s nothing scary about visiting Leeds City Dentalcare.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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What to Expect When Your Baby is Teething

Your baby’s first tooth is definitely a milestone worth marking, but the transition from a gummy smile to a mouthful of lovely white teeth can take quite some time to complete. Some babies seem to sail through the whole teething process without experiencing any symptoms while others may exhibit signs of discomfort. Typical symptoms of teething include:

  • Drooling which may mean they develop a facial rash
  • Sucking or biting on toys or their fingers due to the pressure in the gums
  • Your baby’s gums may look swollen or sore
  • Your baby may be more reluctant to feed
  • They might have more difficulty getting to sleep than normal
  • They might simply seem out of sorts and may cry more than normal

Dentist LeedsMost symptoms of teething will soon disappear once the tooth breaks through the gums, but if you notice other signs, such as diarrhoea or fever, then it is worth contacting Leeds City Dentalcare for advice, or you should speak to your family doctor. It might also be worth doing this if teething seems to be making them particularly uncomfortable.

Things to try when your baby is teething include:

  • Giving them a chilled teething ring as this can help to relieve some pressure on the gums but don’t use anything that is frozen as this could be harmful
  • You could also try applying gentle pressure to your baby’s gums using a clean finger or a moistened flannel, just for a couple of minutes
  • Some babies find a bottle is comforting, but it’s best to make sure it doesn’t contain a sugary substance such as formula or juice that might damage the new teeth and to stick to just plain water
  • Making sure you try any drool before it can cause a rash will help keep them comfortable
  • If they seem in pain then using age appropriate painkillers might help

It’s also possible to buy various remedies and gels that can be applied directly to your baby’s gums. Some experts feel these remedies aren’t particularly effective, so if you’d like further advice on which products may work then contact our Leeds surgery.

Looking after Your Baby’s First Teeth

It’s important to look after these first teeth, and to clean them thoroughly twice a day using a soft baby toothbrush. Initially you can clean them using just plain water, and it’s best to ask Dr David Brown or another of our dentists in our Leeds surgery when you should begin using toothpaste. At this stage you can book your child’s first appointment with Leeds City Dentalcare.

Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment with Leeds City Dentalcare

You might think this is a little early, but there are some very valid reasons for bringing your child to see us so soon in their life. It’s a great opportunity for our dentists to check your child’s teeth and jaw are developing normally, but is also your chance to ask us lots of questions on how to care for your child’s teeth and how best to keep them free from disease and cavities.

By bringing your baby in to see if this soon they’ll quickly get used to the idea that dental care isn’t anything to be afraid of. Our dentist in Leeds and nurses work hard to put young children at their ease to and will do everything possible to make sure they feel comfortable during examinations. Receiving dental treatment this early will help ensure your baby doesn’t grow up with any dental fears or phobias that could prevent them from receiving essential treatment in the future.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Dental Experts Have Suggested Fillings Are Unnecessary for Children

Recent research carried out at the University of Manchester has shown rather worryingly that 40% of five-year-olds in Britain have tooth decay, and a 10% have already had a dental filling. Now it’s being suggested by some dental experts that fillings are unnecessary as a child’s primary teeth will fall out anyway, provided of course that the decay isn’t causing any pain or disruption to daily life. It’s believed that subjecting a child to having a filling could be an unnecessary procedure if they don’t have any symptoms as a result of the tooth decay. The same research shows that just 6% of parents would consider having their child’s tooth filled, and that most would prefer their dentist to monitor the situation to make sure the decay doesn’t progress any further, and to ensure their child isn’t suffering any pain or discomfort.

There aren’t any hard and fast guidelines on treating children with tooth decay as every case is different, and Dr David Brown or whoever is treating your child will make this decision based on the particular circumstances. It is a tricky decision to make, as even though these primary teeth will eventually be lost and replaced with adult teeth, there is a reason why these primary teeth are so necessary.

Primary Teeth Have a Vital Role to Play in Your Child’s Development

These teeth perform a vital role in helping your child to learn to speak normally so they can easily make themselves understood, and they help them to eat a balanced and varied diet which is essential for good nutrition. While having a good diet is vital at any age, it’s especially important that a growing child receives all the necessary nutrients to develop normally. In addition it will help them learn to enjoy a greater number of foods, while in contrast suffering from dental pain due to tooth decay could make them avoid certain foods that are very nutritious but which are harder to chew. Another important reason for helping primary teeth to last as long as possible is that they help maintain the correct spaces for the adult teeth, allowing them to develop normally, increasing the chances that your child will end up with teeth that meet together correctly and that don’t require significant orthodontic treatment.

Preventative Dental Care Is a Far Better Option

There’s little doubt that it can be upsetting for both parent and child to learn that a filling is necessary, so it’s definitely better to practice preventative dental care. This is something that Leeds City Dentalcare can help with, as it is recommended that all children visit our dentist in Leeds before the age of one, or soon after they have their first tooth. You’ll find our dental team is a valuable source of information on how to look after these teeth and how to lessen the risk of cavities. We can show you how to brush and floss these first teeth, and can also give you advice on diet and which foods need to be enjoyed in moderation. For instance fruit juice may seem like a healthy drink but it can be laden with sugar and is best diluted with plain water or simply kept as an occasional treat. Foods that are high in acids and sugars will help to erode the hard layer of tooth enamel that protects your child’s teeth. This makes it much easier for bacteria to attack the teeth and to cause cavities.

If we do notice any sign of enamel erosion that may indicate a cavity is trying to develop, we can monitor the situation and provide advice on helping to prevent this dental erosion from progressing. And also give guidance for preventive and cosmetic dentistry in Leeds. With proper dental care we hope to make sure your child has a healthy smile right into adulthood.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Dealing with Your Child’s Toothache

It is always hard for any parent to see their child in pain, and toothache can be pretty unpleasant. If your child does develop a toothache then the first thing to do is to find out if it is accompanied by fever or facial swelling, as these symptoms could mean it needs to be treated as an emergency. The next thing is to try to find out exactly where it hurts, and this is something that is not always as easy as it sounds. In general, any toothache that is bad enough to keep a child awake through the night, and which lasts into the next day will need investigating by Dr David Brown or another of our dentists at Leeds City Dentalcare. This is because it could be a symptom of a problem that will only become worse if left untreated.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain in Children

The most common cause of tooth pain in children is dental decay. This is where bacteria in the mouth have been able to penetrate the tooth, causing pain and infection. It may even be possible to see signs of cavities in the mouth, as these can appear as brown spots on the teeth, especially on the biting surfaces of the back teeth.

If there don’t seem to be any obvious signs of decay then it is worth taking a look at the gums. It may be that there are sore spots or signs of swelling on the gums that could indicate an infection such as a dental abscess. It is also possible that your child may have mistaken the pain as coming from their tooth, when in fact it is coming from a site nearby.

If this fails to provide any clues then try gently brushing and flossing around the area where the pain is located. It could be that they have something stuck underneath the gum that is enough to dislodge the tooth slightly, causing pressure. If this fails to provide relief then you probably need to take steps to try to ease the pain until you can get them to our Leeds surgery. You can give your child painkillers that are age appropriate, or you may wish to apply an ice pack for a short while, but you do need to take care not to hold in position too long, as a minute or two at a time is plenty long enough. You should never rub painkillers directly on their gums as this could damage the gums. This is something of an old wives tale that won’t help adults with toothache either!

It is also well worth asking your child if they had a recent injury to their mouth that they forgot to mention, as this could have injured the tooth in some way, and could have even damaged the pulp that is located in the centre of the tooth. If they did have an injury, then check their mouth for any obvious signs of damage to the soft tissues, and clean any wounds with antiseptic. Leeds City Dentalcare realises that many children find going to the dentist somewhat scary, and you can rest assured they will be treated with kindness and compassion as all the dental staff will do their best to reassure them. Making sure your child has regular dental care with our dentist in Leeds who will help alleviate these fears as they will grow to view these visits as being nothing more than routine.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Don’t Let Your Child Fall Prey to Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

It is never too soon to begin looking after your infant’s teeth, and starting early can pay dividends right throughout their lifetime. Even very young children can get tooth decay, something that is often referred to as being baby bottle tooth decay, and this is something that we do see amongst very young patients visiting Leeds City Dentalcare. This can happen if an infant is given a sweet liquid last thing at night in a bedtime bottle, and can include formula, milk or fruit juice, or anything that contains natural sugars and which can cling to their teeth for a long time. This can also be a problem if they are given dummies that have been dipped into syrup or other sugary drinks.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Put Your Child to Bed with a Sugary Drink

Everyone’s mouth contains a certain amount of saliva and this has a naturally protective effect as it helps to wash away sugars and plaque bacteria, keeping the mouth clean and fresh. Saliva also helps to keep the mouth less acidic and at a neutral pH. However during the night-time saliva production tends to slow, leading to the mouth becoming drier. If your child goes to bed with a sugary drink then the sugars will coat their teeth, providing the perfect food for plaque bacteria. The numbers of bacteria tend to rise overnight due to the decreasing the flow of saliva, and they’ll have plenty of time to feed on the sugars on the teeth, increasing the acidity of the mouth. This acidity helps to weaken the tooth enamel, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay and cavities. Baby bottle tooth decay typically affects the front teeth, although it can occur in any of the teeth. If you want to put your child to bed with a drink then plain water is best.

It’s Important to Preserve the Baby Teeth

It’s all too easy to think that your child’s baby teeth are not particularly important, as after all they’ll be replaced with their permanent teeth within just a few years. However these baby teeth have an important role to play in the development of your child. Young children find it much easier to learn to talk properly and clearly when they have teeth, and they also find it much easier to eat a wider range of foods which can help improve their overall nutrition, allowing them to grow and develop normally. These primary teeth also act as placeholders for the adult teeth, ensuring they develop normally and increasing the chances that they will come through nice and straight. If your child loses these teeth too early on then the chances of them developing a speech impediment or having crooked adult teeth are increased.

Leeds City Dentalcare Can Help You to Look after Your Children’s Teeth

Our Leeds surgery can give you a lot of helpful advice on how to look after your child’s mouth, especially once their first tooth erupts. Our dental in Leeds can show you how to brush their teeth correctly, and how to floss in between each tooth. We can also advise you on whether or not you should use fluoride toothpaste or other fluoride supplements to help prevent cavities. Some children may be more at risk than others of developing cavities as sometimes the grooves and fissures on the baby teeth can be very deep and difficult to keep clean. In this case it may be advisable to have some of the teeth protected with dental sealants to help keep them free from disease.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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The Importance of Looking after Your Children’s Teeth

It is important to get your child into a proper oral hygiene routine as soon as possible, even though those first teeth will eventually be replaced with their permanent, adult teeth. Healthy teeth and gums will help your child enjoy a varied diet that contains the right mix of nutrients, and will also help your child learn how to talk properly and clearly. The primary teeth or baby teeth do need to be looked after properly as they will help ensure their permanent teeth come through correctly.

Caring For Your Baby’s Mouth

Even before your infant’s first tooth erupts you can begin getting them into a regular oral hygiene routine. You can use a clean, damp cloth or a clean piece of gauze to gently wipe your infant’s gums after feeding. Make sure you don’t put them to bed with a bottle containing sugared water, milk or juice. Any bedtime bottles should just consist of plain water. Once the first tooth erupts then make an appointment to come and see us at Leeds City Dentalcare as we can give you lots of helpful advice on how to care for their brand-new teeth.

Getting Your Child Used to Visiting Our Leeds Surgery

We recommend you bring your baby to see us any time between the first tooth corrupting and their first birthday. Getting them used to the sights and sounds as well as the smells in a dental surgery at this very early age will help them become accustomed to having regular dental care. If you already wipe your child’s gums and brush any teeth they might have then they’ll already be more comfortable visiting Dr David Brown or any of our dentist in Leeds.

You should be brushing their teeth twice a day, but especially before bedtime so they go to bed with a nice clean mouth. It is important to clean their teeth for them until they’re about the age of seven, and to make sure they are properly supervised until they realise how important it is to brush your teeth regularly. Chemists have a huge range of child oriented toothbrushes that help make the whole process a lot more fun, including electric toothbrushes that can be a lot easier for them to use. They also need to get used to flossing regularly. This is something our dentists and hygienists in Leeds can give you advice on.

Hopefully a regular routine of six monthly check-ups at our Leeds dental surgery will help your child to see there is nothing scary about going to the dentist. These visits will give us a chance to check their teeth are developing normally, and to discuss any potential problems with you, such as a need for orthodontic treatment or treatment for other oral health conditions.

Once They Have Their Adult Teeth

If your child is keen on playing sports then it’s a great idea to invest in a custom-made mouthguard, and to teach them about the need to wear it regularly. This will greatly help to lessen the risk of having a tooth knocked out or damaged.

Once they have their permanent teeth then it’s also a really good time to talk to one of our dentists at Leeds City Dentalcare about dental sealants. Dental sealants are an excellent preventative measure and protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This treatment can be completed in just one short visit to our dental surgery, and dental sealants can last up to 10 years before they need replacing.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Leeds City Dentalcare Would Love to See Your Baby before Their First Birthday

If you have a very young baby then we’d love to see them in our Leeds surgery by their first birthday, and preferably as soon as they get that first tooth. Some parents and caregivers are under the mistaken impression that baby teeth are not very important when in fact they have a vital role to play. Primary teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth and help to ensure they come through in the correct positions. In addition these baby teeth are essential in helping your child to learn to speak properly. Having teeth makes it much easier to eat a balanced diet, so it’ll be easier to ensure they are well-nourished and that their bodies have everything necessary to grow properly. Sometimes the last primary teeth don’t fall out until approximately the age of 12, so it is important to make sure these baby teeth remain free from disease.

Getting Them Used to Visiting the Dentist Early

There’s another good reason for bringing them into our Leeds surgery while they are still very young, as it will help get them used to visiting the dentist in Leeds on a regular basis. They’ll realise that dental visits are nothing to be afraid of, and will simply see them as being a normal part of life. In addition great dental care early on will help minimise the risk of any diseases such as gum disease or tooth decay, so your child is less likely to need any treatment other than a check-up.

Don’t Let Your Child Fall Prey to Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

One of the problems that can develop in young children is something called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. This usually occurs when a baby is put to sleep with a night-time bottle that contains some sort of sugary substance, and generally develops between the ages of one year and 18 months. It can also arise if a child is regularly given a sweetened dummy to suck. It’s a disease that can progress very rapidly and it can be quite upsetting for both the parent or caregiver, and the child.

Bringing your child to visit us before the age of one will give us a chance to diagnose any problems such as tooth decay, and to check that their teeth are developing normally. Leeds City Dentalcare can also give you lots of advice on how best to look after your baby’s teeth. We can show you techniques on how to clean them properly through using a proper child sized toothbrush, and will advise you on whether or not it’s a good idea to use fluoride toothpaste. We may recommend you don’t use fluoride toothpaste until your child is aged two or older and is able to spit out the excess. In any case you only need a tiny smear of toothpaste to clean your baby’s teeth. It is essential to do this task for them until they’re about seven years of age, and even when you think they’re capable of doing it themselves it’s a good idea to supervise them. You may want to let them brush their teeth in the morning, but to make sure you brush them in the evenings just before bedtime.

Hopefully bringing your child to Leeds City Dentalcare before they have had their first birthday will put them on the road to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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