Learning to protect your kids’ teeth is an essential part of parenting. You want your child to have a healthy smile for life, and the habits you instil in them at a young age play a key role in this.
No matter your child’s age, there are several things you can do to protect their mouth from harm. In this article, we look at some of the best children’s dental tips, from regular brushing to dental checkups. So, if you want to be proactive and avoid dental problems for your children, here’s how to do it.
Supervise your Child’s Brushing
Children under eight often lack the motor skills to effectively clean their teeth. Therefore, it’s important to supervise their brushing until you’re confident they can do a good job.
This supervision gives you a chance to teach them proper brushing techniques. It’s also a way to ensure your kids brush for the appropriate amount of time. Kids like to get brushing done quickly, but teaching them how to do it properly is essential.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
The type of toothpaste you use for your children is also important. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel, preventing decay.
It’s found in most of Australia’s water supply; however, it’s best to also use a toothpaste containing fluoride. So, always choose quality toothpaste and give your kids the best protection possible.
Sugary Food and Drinks In Moderation
Sugary food and drinks are a nightmare for dental health. The sugars in these foods and drinks mix with the bacteria in your teeth to create acids.
These acids erode your tooth enamel which is essential for protecting your teeth. Sugary food and drinks also lead to tooth decay and cavities, so they should be avoided wherever possible.
It’s unrealistic to keep children away from sugar completely, but you can help them enjoy these things in moderation.
Plus, if they have a sugary drink, suggest they rinse their mouth with water afterwards, as this can limit the acidic buildup around the teeth.
Use Mouthguards for Sporting Activities
Many children in Australia love playing sports – especially contact sports. While most junior sporting programs have modified contact rules, there is still a risk if your child plays Australian Rules, rugby, soccer, hockey and even basketball or netball.
Mouthguards protect against chipped or knocked-out teeth, soft tissue injuries, and more. You can find generic mouthguards at any pharmacy, which can be easily moulded to your child’s mouth.
However, for the best protection, you should consider a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist in Maroubra.
Encourage Flossing
Flossing removes plaque from between teeth, getting into those spaces where a toothbrush can’t reach. It also helps to remove stubborn food particles stuck between teeth.
Generally, helping young children brush is hard enough, let alone flossing. Some children may not like it, but alternatives include liquid floss or flossing sticks.
If you make flossing a regular part of your child’s dental routine from a young age, you can set them up with good habits for the rest of their life.
Regular Dentist Visits
Regular visits to your dentist in Maroubra can help to identify oral health issues before they become serious problems.
Spending a small amount of money on regular checkups is much better than needing expensive dental work later.
Dentists not only clean your child’s teeth, but they also help educate them on proper dental care. And, of course, if there are other concerns, they’ll identify them quickly.
Combined with your comprehensive at-home dental routine, regular dental visits help to keep your children’s teeth white and sparkling for years to come.
Dentistry for kids, also known as pediatric dentistry, is a specialized branch of oral health care that focuses on the unique needs and concerns of children from infancy through their teenage years.
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