Even if they aren’t aware of it, teeth are actually one of your child’s most prized possessions. What this means is that not only should they care about their teeth, they should also know how to protect their teeth from things that can cause harm.
Let’s take a look at a few of the most important topics to consider when thinking about your child’s dental health.
Importance of Tooth Protection
From even the youngest of ages, you should keep in mind that it is not good for your child’s teeth to send them to bed with a bottle in their mouth while they drift off to sleep. Whether it’s juice, milk or baby formula, the sugar contained in these liquids can cause decay if the bottle stays in the baby’s mouth for too long.
When your baby has reached the age of 1, this is generally a good time to stop giving them a bottle, while they learn to use cups instead. When you give your children health snacks and treats – including drinks – this is going to lessen the likelihood of getting tooth decay, due to the decrease amount of sugar.
More importantly, check their child’s teeth regularly by lifting their lip to look for signs of tooth decay. Look for white chalky substances near the gum – or brown spots.
Use Fluoride to Prevent Decay
Naturally found in the earth and the water, Fluoride helps by preventing tooth decay both before and after teeth come through. A considerable amount of scientific research has been conducted and has found that there are actually no health problems caused by fluoride – whether it’s from water or toothpaste.
To find more about fluoride, check out this fact sheet from the South Australian Dental Health Promotion Unit.
Spit Toothpaste Out (Don’t Swallow)
Brushing teeth twice a day is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay. However, you should teach your children to spit the toothpaste out after brushing, rather than swallowing it. Ensure they don’t rinse their mouth out afterwards either, as this gets rid of the fluoride protection. Research suggests that children between 18 month and 5 years old swallow toothpaste rather than spitting it out.
Regular Dental Checkups
Perhaps the most important tip to remember when considering your child’s dental care is to visit the dentist for regular checkups. This way you can stay updated on how their dental health is progressing, and quickly fix any problems should they arise.
To book a consultation with Wisdom Teeth Removal Sydney, contact us now by calling 1300 217 858 or email us directly.