In today’s age where we’ve encountered the devastating effects of the pandemic, it was more evident to us how important taking care of our health is, especially when it comes to one of the vulnerable sectors: the children.
We understand how important it is to look after your child’s health. However, it’s also essential to not overlook their oral health as it also affects their well-being. Good oral health habits established in childhood can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
At our clinic in Bellevue Hill Dental, we see how vital children’s dentistry is to focus on preventive care and education to help parents and kids maintain healthy smiles.
Let our experienced dentists share some essential healthy teeth tips for children to keep their smiles bright and free from cavities.
Importance of Children’s Dentistry
Children’s dentistry focuses on the unique dental needs of kids, from infancy through their teenage years. Early dental care is crucial because it helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues that can affect a child’s overall well-being. Additionally, regular visits to the dentist can help identify potential problems early, making treatment easier and less invasive.
By teaching your children good oral hygiene habits early on, you’re not only protecting their teeth but also instilling habits that will benefit them for life. Some key benefits of early dental care include:
- Preventing tooth decay and cavities
- Ensuring proper jaw and tooth development
- Teaching children the importance of oral hygiene
- Reducing the risk of dental anxiety in the future
Aside from those, oral health also affects children’s overall well-being, which means it also has a direct link to chronic diseases. Whilst it can be too soon to talk about that, the fact that children are educated well about how to take care of their oral health can make them aware of the effects of these practices.
8 Healthy Teeth Tips for Children
1. Start Brushing Early
Good oral hygiene should begin as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. This usually comes out when the child is 5 to 7 months old. At this stage, they can use a soft-bristled toothbrush with water. You can do this method for up to 18 months old. From 18 months until the child turns six years old, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be used.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing is just as important as brushing because it helps remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth. As soon as two teeth touch, parents should start flossing their child’s teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease.
3. Encourage a Tooth-Friendly Diet
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining strong, healthy teeth. We understand that sugary snacks and drinks are two of the most common weaknesses of kids. Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks, as they can lead to tooth decay over time. Instead, encourage your child to eat:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products like cheese and yoghurt (which help strengthen teeth)
- Protein-rich foods like eggs, meat, and nuts
- Water instead of sugary juices and soft drinks
4. Make Brushing Fun
Children are more likely to enjoy brushing their teeth if it’s made fun. Try the following:
- Use a toothbrush with their favourite cartoon character
- Play a two-minute song while they brush
- Offer a reward chart to track their brushing habits
5. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining children’s healthy teeth. It is recommended that children visit a dentist every six months for a check-up and professional cleaning. These visits can help detect potential issues early and reinforce good oral hygiene habits. Eventually, these habits will be ingrained in their minds and will make them more conscious about their oral health.
6. Use Fluoride for Stronger Teeth
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. Make sure your child is using fluoride toothpaste and drinking tap water, which often contains fluoride. Luckily, in Australia, tap water includes a healthy amount of fluoride in their tap. If necessary, your dentist may also recommend fluoride treatments.
7. Protect Teeth During Sports
If your child plays contact sports like football or basketball, consider getting a custom-fitted mouthguard. Mouthguards help prevent dental injuries such as broken or knocked-out teeth.
8. Be a Role Model
Children learn by watching their parents. Show them the importance of brushing, flossing, and maintaining good oral hygiene by making it a family activity.
Common Dental Problems in Children
What happens when kids do not take care of their oral health? Here are some of the most common dental problems among children.
1. Tooth Decay
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems in children. They occur when sugary foods and poor brushing habits lead to plaque buildup, which damages tooth enamel.
2. Gum Disease
Poor oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis, causing swollen and bleeding gums. Teaching children to brush and floss properly helps prevent gum disease.
3. Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier Use
Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use can affect the alignment of teeth and jaw development. Dentists recommend weaning children off these habits by the age of three.
Start Early for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
Taking care of your child’s teeth from an early age is one of the best ways to ensure a lifetime of good oral health. By following these healthy teeth tips for children, you can help prevent cavities, promote strong teeth, and instill good dental habits.
For children’s dentistry in Bellevue Hill, don’t look further—our experienced dental professionals at Bellevue Hill Dental are here to guide you and your child in keeping their oral health. We can cater to your child’s check-up, cleaning, filling, extraction, and even fluoride treatments. Book an appointment today to ensure your child’s smile stays bright and healthy!
