Good oral hygiene habits should start at a young age.
Taking care of your child’s oral health from an early age can be very helpful in maintaining their overall health in the long term. We encourage our patients to teach their children proper oral hygiene habits and to make oral health a priority for the whole family. Read on to find out how you can help to keep your little one’s teeth and gums in good condition…
Encourage a balanced diet
Proper nutrition is an important element in any healthy lifestyle, and the foods that you offer your children play an important part in their oral health. Encourage your child to eat plenty of whole foods like fruit, vegetables, lean meats and calcium-rich dairy products like cheese and yoghurt. Try to limit your children’s consumption of sugary foods, as these can cause serious damage to the teeth. When it comes to drinks, make sure that they have plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid sweetened beverages like soda and juices that contain sugar.
Help them brush and floss
If your child is under the age of eight years old, it is best for you to brush their teeth for them, or to at least supervise them while they brush. If your little one is reluctant when it comes to brushing and flossing, try to make the activities fun — make a reward chart for good efforts, and let your child choose a toothbrush in their favourite colour, for example.
One of the best things you can do when it comes to teaching your child about the importance of proper oral hygiene is to set a good example for them. Make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss daily. Demonstrate proper techniques to your child, or ask your dentist to share some tips.
Visit your dentist regularly
We encourage our patients to bring their children in to see us from a young age. This way, dental visits become a normal part of their life. If your child feels nervous, prepare them by reading a book that explains what to expect from a dental visit, and make sure that you stay calm so that they know they have nothing to fear.
By taking your child for regular check-ups, your dentist will be able to identify and resolve any issues before they become complicated. This can go a long way in preventing problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
How can we help?
At Somerset Dental Care, we offer children’s dentistry services and our team loves to help our youngest patients maintain good oral and dental health. We understand the importance of starting good habits early, and provide an extensive range of preventative and educational paediatric services, as well as general treatments for children. Some of our preventative services include teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, x-rays and oral hygiene assessments and advice.
To find out more about the children’s dentistry at Somerset Dental Care, please have a look here.
We also offer the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, which allows eligible children between the ages of two- and 17-years old access to basic dental services. Find out more about the Medicare initiative here.
If you would like to make an appointment to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to helping maintain your child’s beautiful smile.
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