Make sure your child has a good start when it comes to maintaining the condition of their teeth and gums.
Teaching children good oral hygiene habits from a young age is so important. By
taking care of their teeth, it’s possible to prevent serious dental and
orthodontic issues down the line. It will also go a long way towards
maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile for life. If you are wondering where
to begin when it comes to your child’s teeth, read on — here are our top tips
for ensuring your little one enjoys optimal oral health…
1. Teach your child to brush their teeth
A good oral hygiene routine for your child is not that different to your own. One of the key steps is to teach them how to brush their teeth thoroughly but gently at least twice a day. It will help get rid of plaque and prevent issues like bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease from developing.
If your child is reluctant, try to make brushing their teeth fun. Some families find it helpful to make the habit a group activity by doing it all together while listening to songs can also make it more enjoyable for your little ones. Reward systems are a good incentive for some children — consider offering a sticker every time your child brushes their teeth, for example.
2. Get your little one flossing
Flossing is a highly effective means of getting rid of food particles, plaque, and other debris from between the teeth, along the gumline, and other areas where it is not always possible to reach with a toothbrush alone. Ideally, you should begin flossing your little one’s teeth from around the age of four years old. By the time your child is around eight years old, they may be able to begin flossing their own teeth with your supervision and guidance.
Chat to your dentist about correct flossing techniques, as well as the many tools that are available. While regular floss works well for some people, others prefer water flossers or interdental brushes.
3. Consider preventative treatments
As well as teaching proper oral hygiene habits and techniques from a young age, your child can also benefit from preventative dental treatments. Dental sealants, for example, are an excellent option for preventing tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. The process of having sealants placed is completely painless, and the treatment works by acting as a barrier between the chewing surfaces of the teeth and decay-causing bacteria.
You might also consider regular fluoride treatments for your little one. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that helps to strengthen the teeth. It makes the enamel more resistant to the effects of harmful acids. Most tap water sources contain fluoride, but it’s worth discussing it with your dentist to determine whether your child would benefit from professional treatment.
Regular check-ups and cleans are also advisable from a young age. At these appointments, your dentist will check for any potential issues and, if necessary, provide treatment as soon as possible.
How can we help?
At G Dental, we care about the condition of your little one’s smile and offer a comprehensive range of children’s dentistry services. We encourage all parents to bring their children in for regular dental check-ups. By doing so, they will get the best start when it comes to taking care of their oral health.
If you would like to find out more about the children’s dentistry services that we provide at G Dental and why this offering is so important, please have a look here.
We also offer a broad range of other dental services for the whole family — to find out more about the treatments we provide, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please get in touch with us here or give us a call at 03 9435 6063.