It’s every parent’s goal to keep their children happy and healthy. The best way to do that is to keep them up to date with their check-ups with their healthcare professionals. Dentistry included!
So, what are the main things parents should know about their child’s dental health? Keep reading to find out!
- Their enamel is weaker
The enamel on baby teeth is around 50% weaker when compared to adult teeth. This means that their children are more likely to get cavities than we are. It’s important that you bring your child to regular check-ups so your dentist can find any early stages of decay and can provide you with oral hygiene tips to help you look after your child’s teeth.
- Help them brush!
To make sure children are brushing correctly, parents should be helping them brush until they’re about 8 years old and can complete a thorough clean. Some parents find their kids just don’t want to brush so the best way to do this is to brush with them! Let them have a turn brushing their teeth while you brush yours, then help your child to brush afterwards to make sure they’re getting everywhere. Put on their favourite song as they get older, so they know how long they need to brush for.
- Thumb sucking should be stopped early
Thumb sucking is a comfort for most children as they grow up. What most parents don’t know is that thumb-sucking interferes with the teeth as the pressure pushes the teeth out of alignment. If the habit isn’t stopped early and continues when the adult teeth come to the mouth, this could then affect the alignment more and jaw development.
- Sugary foods and drinks should be kept as a treat
A diet that includes lots of foods and drinks high in sugar means that your child’s risk of getting holes is also higher. As their enamel is also weaker, it means this happens even quicker for kids. A healthy, balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can go a long way in improving their overall health as well as their oral health. Parents should avoid letting their children fall asleep with bottles in their mouths as the sugars in milk stay around the teeth and form holes. Encourage your child to have a glass of water after sugary foods and drinks to help remove the sugar and acids that sit around the teeth.
- Don’t rinse after brushing!
When children learn how to brush their teeth without swallowing the toothpaste (which is usually around 4 years old), get them into the habit of spitting out all the toothpaste and not rinsing their mouths afterwards. By doing this, the minerals that are in the toothpaste have more time to soak into the tooth enamel to make it stronger.
If you have any concerns with your children’s teeth or are wanting some extra tips to keep your child’s teeth strong, book a visit with one of our dental team!
