Avoiding Gum Disease and Acid Erosion

Gums have got a big job to do - gums protect the bone that holds your teeth in place. In fact, gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Plaque bacteria release toxins that can irritate your children's gums so that they swell up and even bleed when touched. This is the start of gingivitis - otherwise known as gum disease. Plaque, if not removed, can form a solid layer on the tooth called tartar.

But don't worry; this can easily be avoided. All it takes is ensuring they pay attention to their gums as part of their brushing routine and have regular visits to the dentists to remove tartar.

Acid erosion attacks the whole surface of the tooth, and can make the enamel's protective surface thinner. This can cause the teeth to become more sensitive. It also makes them more vulnerable to tooth decay.

Here are a few things that can help prevent acid erosion:

• Always dilute fruit juice with water - 1 part juice to 10 parts water.
• Restrict soda and fruit juices to mealtimes. Between meals, give milk or water.
• Encourage children to use a straw directed to the back of the mouth if you give them soda or fruit juice, as this will mean the acid will have less contact with the teeth.
• Don't let your children swish drinks around in their mouths.
• Don't let them brush their teeth immediately after they've had an acidic drink.
• After they've brushed their teeth at night, make sure they only have water to drink. Immediately after brushing, teeth are even more vulnerable.