Milk teeth need just as much care and attention as adult teeth

According to NHS figures, in 2008 there were 100,000 fewer children visiting the dentist than in the year 2006. Lack of access to NHS dentists is often cited as a reason for poor oral hygiene, but are parents really doing enough to help their children look after their teeth?

New research commissioned by private dental plan provider Denplan, surveyed parents with children under 12 across the East Midlands.

Despite the advice given to brush teeth twice a day, 16 per cent of parents admitted their children did not do this. Milk teeth were frequently dismissed because they “fall out anyway” despite the fact they should be brushed with just as much care and attention.

Sugar is the biggest cause of tooth decay, but this appears to be a little known fact. More than half of parents in the survey were unaware that this was the main contributor to tooth decay. A 15 per cent of parents thought it was caused by not brushing enough and 29 per cent blamed acidic drinks like fruit juice.

The good news is 81 per cent of parents in the region took an active part in helping their children to brush teeth, with 68 per cent of children having no fillings.

Dental advisor at Denplan, Dr Henry Clover said:  “Contrary to popular belief, frequent eating of sugary food and drinks is far worse for teeth than the volume that children actually eat. If the frequency of sugar consumption is reduced throughout the day, the chances of decay starting are reduced.”