Get back to-oth school!

As the start of the school year draws closer, an Irish oral health brand is offering some sparklingly brilliant back to school brushing tips for kids.

Founders of Spotlight Oral Care, sisters and dentists Dr Lisa and Dr Vanessa Creaven, believe it is essential to prioritise a child's oral care from teething babies through to toddlers and beyond. This helps them to develop a healthy lifelong relationship with their smile.

With September fast approaching, Dr Lisa and Dr Vanessa have put together their top kids' care tips to help parents and their children get started on a great routine.

Instilling a routine

They said: “Creating a positive oral care routine from an early age will help ensure children enjoy good oral and dental health for the rest of their lives. When working oral care into a child’s everyday routine, it’s important to keep it consistent so it’s not a shock to them when it’s time to brush their teeth. If you skip it once or twice, they might think it’s optional and that’s when it can become challenging.

“We recommend brushing before they get dressed as it can get quite messy. Brushing before food first thing in the morning and last thing at night will ensure the active ingredients in the toothpaste embed in the teeth and work effectively.”

Clean formulations

“It’s important that you choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride for your child. Without this, the toothpaste cannot protect your child’s teeth and gums properly.

“Children’s mouths are 50 times more absorbent than their skin. Always use a clean, toxin-free, clinically proven formulation. Children's toothpastes should have a slightly lower amount of fluoride and a milder minty taste,” they explained.

Brushing technique

They said: “Children should aim the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle towards the gum line using a gentle, circular motion. Repeat on the inside surfaces and use a light back and forth action on the chewing surfaces of teeth.

“Gums require brushing too. Gums are where plaque starts to grow, forming along the gum line and growing down to the tip of the tooth.

“Remind children never to rinse their mouth out after brushing teeth. The active ingredients in toothpaste should embed and dissolve into the tooth surface.

“Rinsing will wash away all of those active ingredients.”

Dental check-ups

“Once your child is 6 months old, they should begin a regular dental check-up routine. When it comes to guiding a parent through their child’s specific needs, dentists always 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. Prevention is key,” they outlined.

Make it fun

There are several ways to make cleaning and brushing teeth fun for children: - Children always look up to their older siblings or parents, so if they see you brushing they will want to be just like you. - Use an egg timer set to 2 minutes as a simple way to encourage your child to brush their teeth for the optimal time. - Using a reward chart is a perfect way to motivate your child to brush both morning and night. See rewardchart4kids.com. - Apps that you may find helpful include Brush DJ, Brush Up and Brush Teeth with the Wiggles, all of which encourage brushing and make oral care fun rather than a chore.