Top Tips for Parents
We know that sometimes looking after your children's teeth takes a massive effort!! However tooth decay in children is on the rise in Australia, with more than half of all 6-year-olds having some decay in their baby or adult teeth (ADA, 2018). So it’s more important than ever to teach your child good oral health habits that will stay with them for life.
TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS:
It is important to begin brushing children's teeth with a soft children's toothbrush as soon as teeth come through to remove the bacteria that may lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
From age one, a pea sized amount of children's fluoride toothpaste should be placed on the toothbrush.
Children should be taught to spit out the excess toothpaste and NOT rinse. This leaves a small amount of fluoride on the teeth which gives more protection against decay.
Tooth brushing should be a combined effort between parent and child until the child is at least 8 years old as children do not develop effective tooth brushing skills until this age.
It is important to care for baby teeth. The back baby teeth may not fall out until the child is 11-12 years old.
Baby teeth help to keep the space for adult teeth to come through in the correct position. Decay in baby teeth can also cause pain and difficulty eating and sleeping.
IT IS MUCH BETTER TO PREVENT DECAY FROM HAPPENING SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO:
Start establishing tooth cleaning time when children are young with brushing teeth at least once a day
Encourage your child to eat healthy sugar free food
Have regular check-ups at the dentist. The CDBS is a government funded scheme which provides $1000 of dental benefits across two years to eligible children to assist with the cost of dental care.