Overview

Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that affects red blood cells.

Children with sickle cell disease are more likely to get tooth decay. If this isn’t treated quickly, it can cause a sickle cell crisis. This is a painful, serious condition, and usually needs urgent hospital treatment.

It is important for children to practice good dental care to prevent tooth decay, and lower the risk of a sickle cell crisis.

The NHS website has information about sickle cell disease.

Registering with a dentist

Every child should be registered with a dentist when their first teeth come through.

Routine check-ups are needed every 4 to 6 months.

The dentist can put a fluoride paste on your child’s teeth to help prevent decay. They can do this 2 to 4 times a year.

Dental decay

Dental decay is damage to a tooth. This can cause pain, an infection and swelling if it’s not treated.

Decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that turns sugars into acid.

This can soften the hard outer layer (enamel) of the tooth. Over time, the acid can cause the enamel to break down and make a small hole (cavity) in the tooth.

Dental decay can be caused by:

• not brushing your teeth well
• having lots of sugar in your diet
• having developmental conditions that affect your teeth

You can help prevent dental decay by:

• having sugary food and drink less often
• only having sugary food and drink at mealtimes
• brushing your teeth well and often
• speaking to your dentist about fissure sealants, which are plastic coatings to protect the tooth from decay

Read our information about looking after your child’s teeth and gums.

Dental erosion

Acidic food and drink can be harmful to teeth.

The acid wears away (erodes) the enamel. This is called dental erosion.

Erosion can cause thinning of the teeth, which can damage them and make them more sensitive.

Acidic foods include citric fruits, such as oranges, apples and fresh fruit juices.

You can help prevent dental erosion by:

• only having acidic foods and drinks at mealtimes
• rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash after having acidic food or drink

Do not brush your teeth immediately after having acidic food or drink, as you will brush away the softened enamel.

Gum disease

Gum disease (gingivitis) is inflammation of the gums.

It is caused when plaque (the sticky substance that forms when bacteria collects on the surface of your teeth) is not removed during brushing.

Plaque causes the gums to become swollen and inflamed, which can result in bleeding when your child brushes their teeth.

If you notice the gums are bleeding, it is important to keep brushing the area. The bleeding will reduce over time with good brushing.

Speak to your dentist or hygienist for advice on brushing the teeth.