Brushing
Brush your child's teeth for them until the age of 6. Many children will demand the independence of brushing their own teeth earlier than this, but try ''checking them over'' by brushing them again afterwards.
To avoid fluorosis (staining) on your childrens adult teeth, you should not use fluoride toothpaste with your child aged 2 or below. Children of this age will swallow most of what is placed in the mouth, leaving their developing adult teeth exposed to too high a concentration of fluoride.
After 2 years old use fluoride toothpaste but only a pea size amount. It is best to brush for 2 minutes in the morning and night. For a few tips on how to brush your child's teeth check out our blog.
Diet for preventing cavities
- Avoid snacking on sticky/chewy or sugary foods and drinks (e.g. biscuits, toffees, raisins, honey, etc.)
- Be aware that “100% fruit juice” or “No added sugar” or “Organic” juice can still contain naturally occurring sugars that can cause damage to your child’s teeth.
- If you must have sugary drinks, make them a rare treat. Drink them quickly and not spaced out over time. This also applies to sugary or sweet foods. The longer on the teeth the more harmful it is to them. ''Grazing'' type eating or drinking is very harmful to teeth.
- A good tip is that 5mg of sugar is equal to a teaspoon of sugar, check your child’s drinks, yoghurts and cereals and see how many teaspoons of sugar is in them, it may change your mind on what to give them!
Going to the dentist
Bring your child to the dentist 6 months after their first baby tooth. This seems early, but early dental appointments will set your child up with good habits for life. Bring your younger children to the dental clinic when going with older siblings so they can copy good behavior. In primary school children are seen every 2 years at the school dentist. We recommend attending in between years at your own dentist. In secondary school bring your child once a year unless otherwise recommended.
Brushing song lyrics
‘Got my toothpaste, got my toothbrush.
I won't hurry, I won't rush.
Making sure my teeth are clean.
Front and back and in between.’
Dr. Hayley Brahm