From the BBC news website:
Parents have been accused of failing to help their children look after their teeth properly.
A survey found more than one in five under-fives were being left to brush their teeth unsupervised.
A quarter of patients wrongly thought children did not need to brush
twice a day,and 67% thought brushing for one minute was enough - two is
recommended.
The survey, of 1,000 people, was carried out by the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF).
The results also showed that 23% of those surveyed thought there was no
need for children to avoid fizzy drinks, even though they have been
linked to dental damage.
Dr Nigel Carter, BDHF chief executive, said: "These results
really are very worrying and help explain why around half of children
under the age of five currently have tooth decay here in the UK.
Brushing tips for kids:
- Start brushing children's teeth as soon as they erupt
- Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
- Brush using small circular motions, making sure that all tooth surfaces are cleaned
- Select a brush with a small head and medium strength bristles
- For children up to three years of age brush the teeth yourself, using a smear of 1,000ppm fluoride paste
- For children aged between three and six, encourage
the child to brush themselves but supervise their brushing. Use a
pea-sized blob of 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride paste
Full article on BBC website
Link to British Dental Health Foundation