How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy
If your children are school aged, you will have already gone through the difficult times of taking care of teething and the emergence of 20 baby teeth by the age of around three years old. Now, as their baby teeth are in use and eventually start to be lost and replaced by adult teeth, there may be a range of new challenges that you have to navigate as a parent, with the support of your dentist.
Oral hygiene routines and erupting adult teeth
As your child turns around six years of age, you can expect to start seeing the emergence of their adult teeth.
Like adults, children need to brush their teeth twice a day in the morning and at night. With children in particular, it is recommended to use a toothbrush that has a small head and soft bristles, to allow the brush to reach all the necessary nooks and crannies.
Once children’s teeth are touching it is also recommended to floss; however, this may be less necessary for spaced-out children’s teeth.
Children lack the dexterity and motor control they will have later in life, so as a parent you can assist them to brush until they are around 8 or 9 to ensure healthy teeth at an early age.
You can also brush with your child at the same time, let them choose a fun toothbrush with characters on it, and make a game of brushing teeth with your children. They will engage more if this activity is made fun for them.
You should also consider your child’s diet. Your child’s baby teeth are more vulnerable to decay, and hence you should try to limit their sugar intake to a healthy degree involving occasional treats. This will limit the conditions conducive to plaque.
Despite your best efforts, it is common for tooth decay and cavities to still develop. These can cause your child pain and affect their eating behaviours, and if left untreated, result in the loss of a baby tooth prematurely. Hence you should seek a dental filling from your dentist.
Booking a check-up
A dental check-up at your dentist is a good way to establish healthy dental habits in your child and to monitor the health of their teeth. The school holidays are a convenient time for your child to receive their dental appointment so you may wish to consider booking during them. Otherwise, many dental clinics such as Dental Sanctuary will be opening in the afternoons or evenings to fit in your child’s dental visit around school time.
