TOOTH decay is the most common of all preventable childhood diseases, affecting children from all backgrounds. 1 in 4 Australian children have untreated tooth decay. A large percentage of children have also not seen a dental professional by school age.
Dental professionals advise routine dental checks start from around age 2. At this time the teeth that are erupted have been present in the mouth for at least a year. Early signs of decay can be detected, and factors contributing to decay such as diet, habits and oral hygiene can be modified. The dental setting can also be introduced and the start of a friendship with a dental professional established.
Our hope is by seeing a child early, they will be given the best possible chance of remaining decay free in their early years. This not only translates to improved outcomes for oral health later in life, but will also hopefully prevent the need for invasive dental treatment, and possible dental anxiety related to the dental setting.
There are many factors which can contribute to tooth decay.
Following these guidelines can give your child the best chance to have healthy teeth:
– Choose whole foods for snacks where possible.
– Provide only plain water for drinks in between meals and snacks. Giving teeth a rest between eating helps to balance the acids and prevent minerals being lost from teeth.
– Help with toothbrushing is important until around age 8, when a child can easily maneuver their toothbrush and can brush well alone.
– Brush thoroughly twice a day, especially before bed, so food and germs aren’t sitting on teeth all night.
– If your child’s teeth are crowded or are close together, flossing is also recommended to reach plaque that is trapped in between.
Helping your child brush is made easier by using some positioning that will allow you to see better inside their mouths.
The pictures below show some easy positions for brushing and flossing a younger child while you are standing up or sitting cross-legged. The last picture is good for older kids who are getting a bit taller.
You can use your free hand to lift their upper lip and to extend their cheek, while you use the toothbrush in your dominant hand.
A very young child is usually more wriggly and more difficult to brush. Distraction like singing a song helps. You can also use a bath towel to swaddle active arms.
Whether using an electric or manual toothbrush, brush the gumline well.
Using a timer or phone countdown is a great motivation, and reward charts can be fun too.
Good luck!
Amber Accendere, BHSc Oral Health
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