REDBRIDGE: Half of all toddlers not receiving regular dental treatment (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

REDBRIDGE: Half of all toddlers not receiving regular dental treatment

9:27am Friday 12th March 2010 in

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PARENTS are being encouraged to take better care of their children's teeth after it was revealed that half of all toddlers in Redbridge do not receive regular dental treatment.

NHS Redbridge has launched a new scheme to encourage better dental hygiene for younger children in the borough.

The Tiny Teeth initiative, highlights the need for babies as young as three months to have their teeth properly cleaned and to receive regular dental check-ups.

The move comes after research showed that around 50 per cent of under-fives in Redbridge do not regularly visit a dentist.

A spokesman for NHS Redbridge said: "Experts say the best way to keep teeth in good shape is to ensure that you have a healthy diet without large amounts of sugars and that you clean your teeth regularly to get rid of any plaque build up.

"Most dentists recommend cleaning your teeth at least twice a day. Using a toothpaste containing fluoride is also a good idea as it provides teeth with added protection from the effects of acid.

"Rinsing your mouth out after eating sticky foods or sugary drinks is also advisable as are regular annual check ups at the dentist.

"NHS Redbridge will be offering parents who bring their children in for a check-up a free one minute egg timer that shows the minimum time that a child's teeth should be brushed for."