Post date: 22nd October 2020
As a parent, it’s natural to want the best possible health for your child, and good oral hygiene plays an important role as they grow. We also understand that caring for children’s teeth can sometimes feel challenging, with lots of mixed messages about what’s best. We’re here to help with practical guidance to help you support your child in developing healthy dental hygiene habits from an early age.
Brushing twice a day is one of the most effective ways to protect your child’s teeth and gums. Aim for brushing for two minutes, twice daily – once in the morning and once before bed.
Regular brushing helps prevent the build-up of plaque, which can cause tooth decay and gum problems. Plaque tends to collect where the teeth meet the gums, so make sure the toothbrush gently reaches this area. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and offers extra protection against decay.
Choosing the right toothbrush is important. A manual toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles is ideal for younger children. Electric toothbrushes can be helpful for children over the age of three, as long as they are age-appropriate and used correctly. Toothbrushes (or electric brush heads) should be changed every three months, or sooner if the bristles become worn or frayed.
What children eat and drink has a big impact on their dental health. Sugary foods and drinks, including fizzy drinks and fruit juices, increase the risk of tooth decay. Acidic drinks can also soften tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to damage over time.
Limiting sugary snacks and drinks, offering water or milk instead, and keeping sugary foods to mealtimes can all help protect your child’s teeth. Tooth-friendly snacks such as cheese or plain rice cakes are good alternatives between meals.
It’s a common myth that baby (milk) teeth don’t matter because they eventually fall out. In fact, milk teeth play an important role in chewing, speech development, and guiding adult teeth into the correct position. If milk teeth are lost too early due to decay or infection, it can increase the risk of crowding or alignment problems later on. Looking after baby teeth is an important part of supporting your child’s long-term oral health.
Alongside brushing and a balanced diet, encouraging healthy habits from an early age can make a real difference. Regular dental visits help children become familiar with the dental environment and allow problems to be identified early.
After brushing, encourage your child to spit, not rinse, so the fluoride toothpaste stays on the teeth for longer. For older children, using a fluoride mouthwash at a different time of day to brushing can provide additional protection against tooth decay.
Routine is key to developing lifelong healthy habits. Regular brushing, a tooth-friendly diet, and routine dental health check-ups all work together to support good dental health.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental hygiene, our friendly team at Capel Dental Care is here to help. Call us on 01267 237363 or keep an eye out for more helpful advice in our Children’s Hygiene Hub.