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1. Mixed Dentition

   

   This is the period when the primary or baby teeth begin to fall out and the permanent teeth start to come through.

   During this period the jaws grow to make room for the permanent teeth and the roots of the baby teeth begin to be absorbed by the tissue around them. 

   When a primary tooth is lost early before the permanent tooth beneath that is ready to erupt, the nearby tooth may move into that space. This will later make the permanent tooth to erupt out of its position, creating crooked or crowded teeth. 

   Key points to remeber during mixed dentition:

   • The first permanent molars usually erupt between 6 and 7 years of age and they do not replace any primary teeth.
   • This erupts at the space next to the back primary teeth. This permanent molar should not be mistaken for primary teeth.
   • When a baby tooth does not fall out when it should, it is good to remove them as this may also make the permanent tooth to erupt out of its position. Your dentist or dental therapist can advise you in this.
   • It is also good to remember that the last set of primary teeth is lost only around 12 years of age.
   • To avoid future problems with erupting permanent teeth make sure that your child follows effective home care routine and limit the frequency and amount of sugar intake from foods and drinks.

2. Fissure Sealants

   

   Sealants are a protective plastic coating applied to back teeth to prevent decay.

   The chewing surfaces of back teeth have small grooves or fissures which often extend right down into the tooth itself. These fissures are very difficult to clean thoroughly and can trap food particles. Fissure sealants can seal off these grooves, preventing any food particles or bacteria from getting in.

   • It's best to get advice from your dentist or dental therapist if your child would benefit from fissure sealing the permanent back molar teeth.
   • It's best to get the molar teeth sealed as soon as they start to come through.
   • The first molars usually come through between 6 and 7 years of age.
   • If required the rest of the molars are usually sealed as soon as they appear which can be any time between 11 and 14 years.

   The new sealed surface is easy to keep clean and healthy with regular brushing. Fissure sealants do not affect the normal chewing function of teeth. Though sealants can last for many years, your dentist will want to check them regularly to make sure   the seal is till intact. They wear overtime, and sometimes it is necessary to add or replace some sealant to be sure no decay can start underneath them. 

3. Diet

   

   Tooth-friendly foods and drinks are also those that are recommended for overall general health. Frequent consumption of high sugar containing foods and drinks can contribute to tooth decay. It is recommended that children should eat vegetables at least 3 times a day and fruit at least 2 times a day. There are number of ways parents can encourage their children to eat healthy;  

   • Include vegetables and/or fruit with each meal.
   • It’s easier to eat healthy meals and snacks if healthier foods are in the house. Make children's choice easier by removing temptation at home. Avoid buying unhealthy snacks such as chippies, biscuits and lollies.
   • Encourage your family to drink water and low-fat milk. Don’t buy soft drinks, cordials, juice or sports drinks.
   • Place a jug of water on the table at each meal for your family to share
   •  For variety, try making your own flavoured water with fresh herbs, vegetables or fruit.
   • Avoid giving sweets as rewards. Try promting good habits with attention, hugs, praise or small gifts such as pencils, pens, stickers, bookmarks etc. 
   • Choose healthy food for snacks instaead of sweet food and drinks.

   For fun, tasty, easy and healthy meal and snack ideas and recipes, go to My Family Food.  

   For more advice on the types of food children need to eat to be healthy, go to Eating for Healthy Children: From 2 to 12 years on the HealthEd website.

4. Brushing

   

   Brushing

   • Once your child is 6 years old start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
   • Make sure your child is not eating or swallowing toothpaste
   • Encourage them to spit the toothpaste out after brushing and not to rinse the mouth
   • Brush twice a day, morning and night, for two minutes and brushing last thing at night time before bed is very important
   • Hold the brush at 45 - degree angle to the gum line and brush gently by moving the brush back and forth in short, tooth-wide strokes
   • Make sure the child is brushing the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of all the teeth in upper and lower jaws
   • Check your child's brush regularly and replace it every three months or soon after the bristles start to wear out

5. Teens

   Dental care is free for teenagers until their 18th birthday – call 0800 Talk Teeth (0800 825 583) to find a contracting dentist near you.

   Make sure you take advantage of this FREE service while you can! This service is provided mostly by private dentists that are contracted by district health boards. Basic and necessary dental care is provided free under this service. This does not include orthodontic care, tooth whitening or accidents which would normally be covered by ACC. Certain treatments, such as white fillings, might not be free. Make sure you check with your dentist to find out what they provide free. 

   Watch this video promoting importance of oral health among teenagers in a fun way.

6. Mouthguard

   

   Mouthguards are a "plastic" appliance, clear or coloured, worn over the upper teeth. They shield the teeth in an impact situation by providing a cushion which gives protection when the jaws are driven hard together. The New Zealand Dental Association recommends a good mouthguard should be of sufficient thickness in the correct areas, resilient, well retained, comfortable, and should not interfere with speaking and breathing.

   The NZDA recommends the following:

   • always wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports
   • a properly fitted, custom made mouthguard offers the best protection
   • ask your dentist about the best mouthguard for YOU
   • REMEMBER a broken tooth is damaged for LIFE 

7. Dental Erosion

   

   Erosion is the loss of the outer surface of the tooth - dental enamel - that is caused by acid attack. This is different from bacterial acid attack that we call tooth decay. Enamel is the hard outer surface of the tooth seen when we smile and it protects the sensitive dentine underneath. Erosion of the enamel can lead to exposure of the dentine, which may lead to pain and sensitivity with cold foods and drinks.

   Erosion is  a slow process that people generally do not become aware of until significant enamel is already lost. Erosion often shows up as hollows on the top surface of the molar teeth or the teeth seem to become smaller or thinner as the enamel erodes away. As the enamel wears away exposing the underlying dentine the teeth may appear a darker yellow colour -the colour of the dentine- and sensitivity to hot, cold or acidic foods and drinks may become noticeable. 

   How to prevent dental erosion?

   • Limit the number of times each day you eat and drink acid foods and drinks - this reduces the number of acid attacks on your teeth
   • Don't hold your drinks in the mouth or swish the drinks around your mouth 
   • Finish your meals with cheese or a milk drink as this will help to neutralize the dietary acids
   • If you eat or drink anything acidic, wait for about one hour before brushing your teeth. Brushing straight after acidic foods and drinks may cause even more enamel damage. 

8. Wisdom Teeth

   

   Wisdom teeth usually appear at the back of the mouth during late teens or early twenties. Often there is no room for them to come through the gum and they fail to emerge properly. A wisdom tooth can erupt partly through the gum, or remain trapped as an ‘impacted' wisdom tooth. Seek advice from a dentist to see if you need to have your wisdom teeth removed. 

   Key points to remeber about wisdom teeth;

   • wisdom teeth can be very difficult to clean, and are prone to tooth decay, gum disease, and recurring infections.
   • cysts and tumours can develop in tissues around impacted wisdom teeth
   • if your wisdom teeth are unable to erupt, they may cause pressure and damage or crowd the neighbouring teeth
   • wisdom tooth extractions are easier when you are younger.

   Straightforward removal of wisdom teeth may be done in your own dentist's surgery. If your problem is more complex, your dentist may decide to refer you to an oral surgeon.

   Surgical removal of wisdom teeth can cause more discomfort than routine extractions. You likely to experience some swelling, minor bleeding and difficulty in fully opening your mouth. These symptoms are temporary, and in most cases your mouth will be feeling normal a week after your surgery. 

   You may also experience a change of sensation or numbness of your lip and chin and your dentist will discuss with you the risk/benefit ratio of your particular surgery. 

9. Teeth Straightening

   

   If you have crooked teeth or abnormal bite, your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth. Apart from a beautiful smile, orthodontic treatment help you have a healthier mouth. 

   Crowded or crooked teeth are difficult to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause tooth decay, gum disease and eventual tooth loss. These problems can be avoided by straightening the teeth through orthodontic treatment. There are different ways to straighten your teeth. The kind of orthodontic treatment you have will depend on your commitment, preference and severity of the problem. 

   Orthodontic treatment may be provided by your dentist or a specialist orthodontist. Depending on their orthodontic experience and severity of your problem, your dentist may refer you to a specilaist orthodontist. If you are receiving treatment by an orthodontist, you still need to keep seeing your dentist for regular check-ups. 

   You can read more about orthodontists and orthodontic treatment from the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists(NZAO).

10. Older People

    Healthy eating, effective home oral care and regular dental visits are the three essential steps to maintain healthy teeth and gums for all age groups. It is important than an older person, just like anyone else, limits the intake of sugary food and drinks, brushes twice daily, and regularly visits the dentist. 

    Tips to keep your mouth healthy

    • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
    • Clean between the teeth at least once a day with floss or inter-dental brushes
    • Reduce the intake of sugary food and drinks, ideally limiting them to meal times
    • Keep hydrated with water, especially if you have dry mouth, and chew sugar-free gum if possible
    • If you are a denture wearer, thoroughly clean dentures daily, and soak them overnight in denture cleaner
    • Visit your dentist at least once a year so any problems can be detected early and treated
    • Quit smoking - it's bad for teeth and gums as well as everything else.

    If in doubt about your mouth, see your dentist.