Tooth decay in children is a growing problem in most Western nations, with Sugar Free Smiles explaining that Australia is no exception. They describe a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that shows that most six-year-olds have tooth decay, and around half of twelve-year-olds have decay in their permanent teeth. This is a serious state of affairs, but one that is entirely preventable through good dental hygiene and a sensible diet during childhood. This article explains some of the things that parents can do to prevent tooth decay in children, setting them up for a lifetime of good dental hygiene.
Promote A Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Children are often resistant to brushing their teeth, but childhood is the best time to set up a routine for life. Your child's teeth should be brushed twice a day, and as the NHS explains, they will need to be supervised until they are around eight years old. For young children, you should brush their teeth, showing them how to do it as you go. Make brushing a mandatory part of every day, although if your children are reluctant, find a way to make a game out of it. Older children can be taught to floss or use interdental brushes to clean between their teeth.
See A Good Children's Dentist
Choosing a specialist children's dentist is often a good idea. They will be familiar with children's dentistry and, as Colgate suggests, familiar with the unique dental challenges that children experience. They will also be able to put your child at their ease and help them get used to the routine of dental visits, lowering the risk of dental fear in later life. Look for a dentist who is willing to answer questions and who is up to date on the latest research in children's dentistry.
Provide A Tooth-Friendly Diet
It's common knowledge that certain foods are more tooth-friendly than others. Most parents already know that sweets, cakes and fizzy drinks are linked to tooth decay, but fewer people know about the tooth-destroying properties of simple carbohydrates. As Delta Dental explains, the carbohydrates in bread, potatoes and pasta actually break down into sugars, contributing to decay. You should provide lots of fruit and vegetables, as well as water containing fluoride and calcium-packed dairy products.
Tooth decay is so common that it can feel inevitable, but by following the three simple steps above, you can massively reduce the risk of tooth decay in your children. With regular routines, a good diet, and regular dental visits, you will be setting your children up for excellent oral health for life.
Share22 February 2018
Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.
