Helping Oswestry’s Children Smile for Life
February is National Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month — a great opportunity to remind families that healthy teeth start early, and that prevention is always better than treatment.
At Oswyn House Dental Practice, we look after many children and families across Oswestry and the surrounding area. We see first-hand how small daily habits can protect children from tooth decay and help them grow up feeling confident about their smile.
Why children’s dental health matters
Tooth decay (dental caries) remains one of the most common childhood health problems — and it is also one of the most preventable.
When dental decay develops, it can cause:
• Toothache and infection.
• Difficulty eating and sleeping.
• Missed school days.
• Anxiety around dental treatment.
Many dental problems in children can be avoided with the right routine at home, combined with regular dental check-ups.
The most evidence-based ways to protect your child’s teeth.
1) Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Brushing twice a day — especially before bed — is one of the strongest protective habits for children’s teeth. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.
We recommend:
• Brushing twice daily.
• Using an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste.
• Encouraging children to spit, not rinse, after brushing (rinsing washes away the fluoride).
Most children still need help brushing properly until around age 7–8.
2) Reduce sugary snacks and drinks (especially between meals).
Sugar is one of the biggest causes of tooth decay, particularly when it is consumed frequently throughout the day.
Try to:
• Keep sweet treats to mealtimes.
• Avoid sugary drinks between meals (including juice).
• Encourage water as the main drink.
It’s not just the amount of sugar — it’s also the frequency that matters.
3) Start dental visits early.
Children should see a dentist early — ideally when the first teeth appear, or by age one.
Early visits help your child:
• Get used to the dental environment.
• Build confidence and reduce anxiety.
• Receive early prevention and personalised advice.
It also helps us identify any early signs of decay before they become bigger problems.
4) Professional preventive treatments.
For children at higher risk of decay, additional preventive care can be very helpful. This may include:
• Fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel.
• Fissure sealants to protect the grooves of adult back teeth.
These treatments are safe, widely used, and supported by strong evidence for preventing decay.
