5 Things Parents Should Know about Children’s Teeth

18/11/2020

Our teeth are with us for life, so it’s on us to look after them from a young age. As a parent, it is important to look out for any changes or possible issues with your child’s teeth, as when spotted early they can be effectively treated by your paediatric dentist. By following a good oral care routine consisting of regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist, your child can look forward to enjoying a healthy smile for many years to come. Here are some helpful pointers for parents covering key facts about children’s teeth and how best to care for them.

  1. Children Have Weaker Enamel

Compared to the average adult, the enamel on children’s teeth is around 50% thinner. To minimise the risk of cavities, it is important to get in the habit of scheduling regular dental visits. It is a good idea to schedule your child’s first dental visit before they turn one year old. This is an opportunity for your dentist to examine your child’s oral health, ascertain any potential issues and provide some helpful oral care tips to make it easier to look after the oral health of your little one at home.

  1. Children Need Assistance with Brushing

Daily brushing is important, but you shouldn’t leave children to manage this on their own. As a parent, you should assist them with brushing until they are around 8 years old and have the dexterity to perform a thorough clean on their own. You could also brush your teeth alongside your child at a set time every morning and in the evening, which will help them establish a regular routine and make the process more enjoyable. Be sure to check your child’s teeth after they have finished, perform additional brushing, and finally congratulate them on a job well done. Fluoride toothpaste should be used to assist in remineralisation, providing additional protection against cavities.

  1. Thumb Sucking is a Habit to be Discouraged

Thumb sucking is a habit which should be discouraged, as the pressure can cause baby teeth to be pushed forward and become misaligned. If the habit continues once permanent teeth come in, this could cause further issues with jaw and mouth development. Thumb sucking can cause various side effects including speech impediment, overbite, open bite, skin problems and social issues.

  1. Reduce Consumption of Sugary Foods and Liquids

A healthy, balanced diet will go a long way in reducing your child’s risk of tooth decay. Prolonged exposure to sugary drinks like fruit juice and milk can lead to tooth decay, so you should not allow your child to go to sleep with a bottle in their mouth. A diet high in fruit and vegetables will help to support all aspects of your child’s health, including oral health. You should encourage your child to drink a glass of water after eating sugary snacks to minimise the effects of acid on their teeth.

  1. Baby Teeth Fall Out Naturally

Rest assured that baby teeth will fall out naturally, and this usually starts at around 6 years of age. It usually takes around 6 or 7 years to lose all baby teeth, which will be replaced by permanent teeth. Don’t worry if your child is slightly early or late in losing their teeth, as this can vary for each individual.

Book an Appointment with Specialist Kids Dentist Today

Specialist Kids Dentist are a leading paediatric dentist in Sydney, and we look forward to looking after the dental needs of your family. To schedule an appointment, please call us on 02 9600 6848 today.