At Beech House Dental in Cobham, we understand the importance of your child’s oral health and want to help you lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. We’ve put together our top five tips for maintaining your child’s dental health and preventing dental issues from arising. These tips will give you the knowledge and tools you need to support your child’s oral health and help them develop good dental habits that will last a lifetime.
Tip #1: Start Early with Dental Hygiene
One of the most important things you can do for your child’s oral health is to establish a dental hygiene routine from a young age. This includes:
1. Cleaning your baby’s gums: Even before your baby’s teeth appear, gently clean them with a soft, damp cloth after feedings.
2. Introducing a toothbrush: Once your child’s first tooth emerges, use a soft-bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to clean their teeth twice a day.
3. Supervising brushing: Continue to watch your child’s teeth brushing until they are at least seven years old, ensuring they brush for two minutes each time and reach all areas of their mouth.
Tip #2: Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks
Consuming too many sugary snacks and drinks can contribute to tooth decay. To protect your child’s teeth, try to:
1. Offer healthier snack options: Opt for low-sugar, nutritious snacks like fruits, vegetables, and cheese instead of sugary treats.
2. Limit sugary drinks: Encourage your child to drink water or milk instead of sugary beverages like juice and soda.
3. Avoid sticky sweets: Sticky sweets, such as gummy candies and dried fruits, can cling to your child’s teeth and increase the risk of cavities. Choose alternatives like fresh fruit or yoghurt.
4. Monitor treat consumption: Save sweets for special occasions and encourage your child to brush their teeth after indulging.
Tip #3: Encourage Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health. At Beech House Dental in Cobham, we recommend scheduling dental visits every six months. Regular check-ups will:
1. Monitor dental development: Our dentists can track your child’s dental growth and identify any potential issues early.
2. Provide professional cleanings: A thorough dental cleaning can help remove plaque and tartar build-up that may lead to cavities and gum disease.
3. Offer tailored advice: Based on your child’s dental health, our team can guide oral care, dietary habits, and preventive measures.
Tip #4: Teach Your Child the Importance of Flossing
Flossing is a crucial aspect of dental hygiene that is often overlooked. Teach your child to floss once daily to help remove plaque and food particles between teeth. To make flossing more accessible and more enjoyable, consider using the following:
1. Floss picks: These disposable, easy-to-use tools can help your child easily reach all areas of their mouth.
2. Flavoured floss: Flavoured floss can make the process more enjoyable for your child, increasing the likelihood that they will floss regularly.
3. Demonstrate proper flossing technique: Show your child how to gently slide the floss between their teeth, curving it around each tooth to remove plaque effectively.
Tip #5: Consider Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments
Dental sealants and fluoride treatments can provide additional protection for your child’s teeth, helping to prevent cavities and other dental issues. At Beech House Dental in Cobham, we offer these preventive measures to give your child the best chance at maintaining a healthy smile.
1. Dental sealants: Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth (molars and premolars) to help prevent cavities. They work by sealing the grooves and fissures where food and bacteria can become trapped, making it easier to keep teeth clean. Sealants are typically applied when your child’s permanent molars emerge, ages six and twelve.
2. Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Fluoride treatments are administered as a gel, foam, or varnish and can be applied during your child’s routine dental check-ups. These treatments provide extra protection for your child’s teeth, especially if they are at a higher risk of developing cavities.
