Number Of Baby Teeth

The diagram oposit shows the position of the teeth. There are eight incisors, four canines and eight molars.

Fluoride is a natural element found in our diet, mostly in fish and tea which help prevent tooth decay. It is also present in many water supplies but usually at a level too low to be beneficial. In the UK Birmingham and Newcastle have fluoride topped up in the water supply to the ideal level as do most cities in the USA.



In areas where there is no fluoride in the water some children may benefit by taking fluoride drops or tablets as dietary supplements. They should not be used in areas where the is fluoride naturally present or artificially added to the water as an excessive intake is undesirable.

Fluoride in toothpaste is very effective. For babies use a tiny smear and for children a small pea sized amount on the brush which they should try to spit out after use.