Tooth be told
An Irish dentist has compiled a list of expert oral care tips to help kids get into a good dental routine for the coming school year.
Dr Vanessa Creaven, dentist and co-founder of Irish oral care company Spotlight Oral Care, says the start of the school year is a great time to take a look at all routines.
Dr Creaven says it’s essential to prioritise your child's oral care from teething babies through to toddlers and beyond because helping them develop a healthy relationship with their oral care now will support their oral health throughout their life.
1. Re-establish a routine. During the summer months, it’s easy for routines to become more relaxed and miss a night time brush or two. Before the school term begins, re-establish the morning and evening brush routine. Children should brush their teeth and gums twice a day for two minutes each time to ensure thorough cleaning is achieved and maintained. Dr Creaven recommends brushing before they get dressed as it can get quite messy: "There are many misconceptions about the best time to brush teeth, but as a dentist, I recommend brushing teeth first thing in the morning, before breakfast, and last thing at night, at least 1 hour after they have finished eating to avoid acid erosion and to ensure the active ingredients from the toothpaste embed onto teeth and gums.”
2. Flossing. You may have thought flossing was just for grown-ups but flossing for children is essential. Flossing helps to get rid of food debris that gets caught between their teeth which can act as a breeding ground for bacteria and contributes to plaque build-up. It is recommended that children floss once a day.
3. Avoid sugary food and drinks. It’s important that your child enjoys a healthy diet to help protect and support their oral health. A high sugar diet can lead to cavities and tooth decay which, at a young age, can cause irreparable damage to their smile. Limiting junk food is key. Avoid sweet drinks including fruit juice and never add sugar, syrup, or anything sweet to your toddler’s foods. A high sugar intake can result in cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to short and long-term oral health issues for your child, so sugar should be avoided at all times. When it comes to food and drinks that support your child’s oral health there are many healthy options to choose from. Dr Creaven says foods containing vitamin C such as oranges and tomatoes, foods with calcium like milk and cheese are great for a child’s oral health.
4. Stay hydrated. Drinking water will keep you hydrated, and it’s vital for your oral health and health in general. Encourage your child to drink regularly, to sip at their water throughout the day and to drink plenty with their lunch. Drinking water after consuming food will also help rinse away some harmful sugars and acids that may have been present in food.
5. Dental check-ups. Once your child is six months old, they should start to see a dentist, and begin a regular dental check-up routine. This will ensure any problems will be cared for professionally and will instill a solid oral care routine that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. When it comes to preventing cavities and infections and guiding you, as a parent, through their specific oral care needs, dentists know best. If you wait until your child is complaining of dental pain, they will generally end up having to receive far more invasive treatment which is more painful and expensive. Prevention is key.
6. Make it fun! Children always look up to their older siblings or parents, so if they see you brushing, they will want to be just like you. Also, it can add a little fun to use an egg timer set to two minutes as a simple way to encourage your child to brush their teeth for the optimal time. Using a reward chart is another great way to motivate your child to brush both morning and night.