Dentist Tips for Children

4 Pro Dentist Tips on How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Younger Children

In South Africa, it is estimated that around 60% of primary-school-age children have tooth decay, 80% of which never receive treatment. This is an astounding number considering how damaging tooth decay is. Cavities and decay can contribute to toothache, which ultimately leads to school absenteeism and difficulty eating, speaking, and sleeping. Oral hygiene in children is just as essential as in adults, despite the myth that it does not matter what happens to baby teeth. Below we explore four tips that will save you a few emergency trips to the dentist and improve your little one’s oral health:

• Reduce sugar intake. While sweets like toffees, lollipops, and hard candy all increase a child’s chances of developing cavities, there are less obvious sugars upon which to keep an eye. Fruit, juices, sodas, and even breastmilk and formula milk all produce acids that oral bacteria need to thrive. Disrupt bacterial growth by giving your toddler or young child water to sip regularly and brushing their teeth twice a day.
• Encourage teeth-brushing fun. Keeping their mouth clean does not need to be seen as a laborious chore. Reinforcing a positive connotation to their oral hygiene routine will have your kids begging to brush and floss. These days, toothbrushes for kids come in exciting designs featuring superheroes and animated characters and toothpaste not only tastes great but is available in tons of fun colours too. Make an event out of oral care with loads of praise and affirmation to develop a healthy habit that sticks for life.
• Find a great dentist. Dental visits have gained notoriety for being scary to kids. Most modern kids, however, enjoy the novelty of visiting a dentist and find it rather fun. Find a dentist that works well with children and makes your kids comfortable. Don’t forget to mentally prepare your little ones for their regular check-up and maintain a positive attitude surrounding the experience.
• Explain the need for oral hygiene. While a child of three or four years of age won’t comprehend the intricacies of decay-causing sugars or the need for fluoride toothpaste, you can explain it in easier terms. A sock-puppet show, clever rhyme, or even a few funny drawings will help them to understand how the right brushing technique and regular oral care will defeat the “bad guy” bacteria in their mouths.

To find out more about how you can improve your kids’ oral health and hygiene habits, feel free to consult an experienced dentist here at Intercare today. Book one easily online.