1. Go for yearly check-up’s at the dentist and routine cleanings with the hygienist.

2. Diet & advice:

– Limit the frequency of sugar intake
-Drink water only between meals
– Aim for three regular meals per day
– No more than one snack a day
– Keep snacks to savoury foods, like, vegetable sticks, cheese, biltong, crackers.

3. Toothpaste:

– 1000-1450ppm toothpaste dependant on patient age and caries risk status
– Spit out toothpaste, don’t rinse off
– If parents wish to use fluoride free toothpaste, consider Tooth mousse to remineralise teeth(note: contraindicated in children with milk allergy)
Novamin containing toothpaste can be used for sensitive teeth.

4. Mouthwash:

Children older than 7 years can use a fluoride mouthwash – rinse at a separate time to brushing.

5. Fissure sealants:

– Any at-risk areas in individuals with increased caries risk, including grooves of primary teeth, can be sealed
– First permanent molars erupt around the age of 6 years
– In the event of previous tooth decay, grooves of permanent teeth can be sealed to prevent future caries development.

6. Stick to brushing twice daily and cleaning between your teeth at least once a day using dental floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser.