Looking After Your Children's Teeth
Tooth Decay is still going unchallenged as the number one reason for hospital admissions among young children.
Between 2012-2022, 350,000 young people had extractions for decayed teeth under general anaesthesia. Unfortunately, this will no doubt harbour some psychological scars for the rest of their lives and most probably harm their relationship with dental professionals.
Good oral hygiene habits are important for a child’s overall health and well-being. Establishing proper dental care routines early on helps prevent cavities, gum disease and other oral health problems. Parents play a crucial role in teaching children about dental care and setting a good example for their children to follow.
In this blog post, we will discuss some essential tips for parents to help their children maintain good dental hygiene.
Start Early
Good dental hygiene should begin as soon as a child’s first teeth emerge. Parents should clean their baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after each feeding, and once teeth begin to appear, they should start brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Use the right toothpaste
When the children’s milk teeth are starting to come through, parents can start using toothpaste. Parents should make sure to choose a fluoride toothpaste that is appropriate for their age. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.
Brush Regularly
Parents should encourage their children to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, once after breakfast and once before bedtime. Children will need their parents’ help with brushing their teeth until they develop the manual dexterity to brush their own teeth effectively, up to the age of 9. Remembering also that the back teeth have three surfaces and the front teeth have 2 surfaces to clean and that the gum line needs to brushed as well. It is important to use an adult toothpaste as soon as the child is able to spit out, from the age of 6, or younger if your child is at high risk of getting decay (dentist can advise). A smear of toothpaste across the width of the brush is sufficient. Do not rinse out with water after brushing, just spit.
Choose healthy snacks
A child’s diet plays a significant role in their dental health. Sugary and starchy foods can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, parents should encourage their children to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Foods and drinks that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm to the teeth. To help reduce disease, children should eat only healthy snacks in between meals, such as raw vegetables, plain yoghurt and cheese in moderate amounts. Juice/fizzy drinks should be given at meal times only, and in between meals if your child is thirsty, they should only drink water.
Regular Dentist Visits
Taking your child to the dentist is an essential part of maintaining good dental hygiene. NHS dental care for children is free, which means that parents can access dental services without any cost implications. It is recommended that parents take their child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear. This is so that the child can become familiar with the environment and get to
know the dentist. It is also an opportunity for the dentist to advise parents on how to prevent decay and identify any oral health problems at an early stage.
During the dental visit, parents should be positive and make the trip fun for their child. This will help to alleviate any worries or fears that the child may have about future visits. Even just opening up the child’s mouth for the dentist to take a look at is useful practice for the future. High risk children would benefit at the appropriate age from sealant applications. This is will be discussed by the dentist in more detail.
It is essential to take your child for regular dental check-ups as advised by the dentist. The frequency of these check-ups will depend on the child’s oral health needs, but most dentists recommend visits every six months. Regular check-ups can help to prevent dental problems from developing and ensure that any issues are identified and treated early on.
In conclusion
Good dental hygiene is crucial for children’s overall health and well-being. By following these tips, parents can help their children develop healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime. Remember to start early, use the right toothpaste, regular brushing, choose healthy snacks, and take your child to the dentist regularly. With these practices, parents can ensure that their children have healthy teeth and gums to fight this wholly preventable disease, for years to come.
Glenfield Dental is a patient centred and preventative focused practice. Children up to the age of 18 do not pay for dental checkups. We also undertake private orthodontic treatments for children who do not qualify for NHS orthodontic treatment. Contact us to discuss and arrange your child’s dental checkup and treatment.