Take care of your child’s teeth for the sake of their overall health.
Everyone wants their child to a have a healthy and happy smile, but it can be difficult to know just how much attention your little one’s teeth really need. We’ve put together our top tips for taking care of your child’s teeth and gums so that you can help them to enjoy optimal oral health for life.
1. Limit certain foods
Your child’s nutrition plays an important part in maintaining both their general and oral health, so it is always a good idea to be mindful of the foods that you offer your little one. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional treat, but it is best to limit foods and drinks that are particularly sugary as these can cause some serious damage to their teeth. Sugar promotes the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which attack the enamel of the teeth and can lead to dental erosion and cavities. If your child does eat something sweet, make sure that they rinse their mouth with some water afterwards.
2. Start healthy habits young
Try to establish good oral hygiene habits from a young age — teach your little one to brush twice a day, but be sure to help and/or supervise them while they are still too young to clean their teeth effectively by themselves.
It is also helpful to set a good example for your children by practicing proper oral hygiene every day. This will set them up for success as they get older.
3. Schedule a check-up
One of the best things you can do to keep your child’s smile healthy is to schedule regular dental check-ups. It is advisable that you bring your little one for their first check-up by their first birthday so that they can begin to feel comfortable with the practice and experience from an early age. This will go a long way in reducing anxiety regarding dental treatments in the future. Try to arrange (and stick to) routine check-ups every six months so that any potential issues can be identified and resolved as soon as possible.
4. Get enough fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that strengthens the enamel of the teeth and can help to prevent tooth decay. Most major cities in Australia require that the tap water is fluorinated, but if your water supply does not contain fluoride or you prefer to drink purified water, you can speak to your dentist about fluoride supplements or topical fluoride treatments for your family. They will let you know if this is necessary and/or appropriate for your child.
5. Consider a preventative treatment
Once your child’s permanent teeth have come through, your dentist may recommend that they have dental sealants placed. Dental sealants are a highly effective preventative treatment — they are applied to the chewing surfaces, forming a barrier between the teeth and harmful bacteria. As such, dental sealants can go a long way in preventing tooth decay and cavities.
How can we help?
At Somerset Dental Care, we treat members of the whole family and offer a range of children’s dentistry services. We encourage parents to bring their children in for their first dental appointment between the ages of six and 12 months — this is around the time that the first tooth erupts and by starting dental visits early, you can help your child get ahead on maintaining oral hygiene and preventing dental problems.
Some of the children’s dentistry services that we offer include teeth cleaning; fluoride treatments; dental x-rays; oral hygiene assessments and advice. To find out more about children’s dentistry services at Somerset Dental Care, please have a look here.
To make an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on 02 4648 0909. We look forward to helping to maintain your family’s beautiful smiles.
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