Take care of your children’s teeth to ensure healthy smiles for life.
The development, growth and health of adult teeth are influenced significantly by baby teeth, which is why it’s so essential that you take care of your little one’s smile from an early age.
Start healthy habits early
You must clean your child’s teeth from an early age as tooth decay is a very common issue in children.
Try and wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with a damp cloth, or use a very soft toothbrush. Once your child reaches the age of about two years old, you can begin to teach them to brush their teeth — you will, of course, need to supervise them while they’re young and still learning.
Once your child is old enough, teach them the correct technique for brushing their teeth and that you lead by example in brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing.
Make sure dental check-ups are a regular event from a young age. The sooner your child becomes familiar with the dentist and knows what to expect from the experience, the less likely they are to feel anxious about dental visits.
Protect teeth from injury
While it’s great for your child to play sports and stay active, it is also essential that you try and prevent damage to the teeth that can be caused by knocks and falls.
Many sports injuries to the teeth can be prevented by wearing a custom-made mouthguard. Customised mouthguards are specially designed to fit the mouth comfortably and provide maximum protection for the teeth and gums. We strongly recommend a mouth guard mainly if your child plays contact sports like hockey, rugby, football or boxing.
Make nutrition a priority
Nutrition is a crucial factor when it comes to overall health, and good nutritional choices are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
We recommend that you and your family enjoy a balanced diet rich in whole foods like grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts. It’s also a good idea to limit the amount of sugar that your children eat as too many sweet treats can contribute to the development of issues like tooth decay and cavities. The mouth is full of bacteria that break down sugars to produce acids. These harmful acids can erode the enamel of the teeth, which often leads to tooth decay.
How can My Dental Care at West End help you?
At My Dental Care, we are dedicated to looking after the health of you and your family. We offer a range of children’s dentistry services and recommend that you bring your child in to see us soon after the eruption of their first tooth, which is typically at between six months and a year old.
Discover more about children’s dentistry here, or if you would like to make an appointment for your little one, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
