Top tips for caring for children’s teeth

This article was sponsored by Primary Dental Port Macquarie

It can be tricky to encourage children to care about brushing their pearly whites each morning and night, but research shows good oral care habits in adulthood begin in our younger years.

The consequences of children not prioritising oral care can be far more debilitating than yellowing teeth. One of the most common chronic illnesses in children is tooth decay, which can have a serious impact on a child’s health and quality of life. 

Luckily, there are easy ways to ensure your children’s teeth are well-looked after, so that they can enjoy a healthy, happy mouth throughout their childhood and beyond. 

Dentist Dr Simon Khalil of Primary Dental Port Macquarie gives his top tips and tricks for caring for children’s teeth. 

Dr Khalil says it’s important to start with explaining to kids the reason why they need to brush, rather than instructing them to do so with no justification. 

“Our kids are more intelligent than we think,” he says. 

“As a child I never used to brush adequately - I'd run the brush ever so quickly in my mouth, rinse and think that fresh breath was good enough.”

He also says it’s important that oral care is a part of their ritual, rather than something they’re rushing to do before hitting the sack in the evening or running out the door for school in the morning. 

“Don't expect kids to brush adequately when they are half asleep or extremely tired,” he warns.

“Instead, try getting them to brush after their last meal or snack of the evening. It's a great habit to get into – not rushing whilst brushing.”

He says a great way to stir some interest in oral care is to work on a rewards basis with your kids.

“Have a chart in the bathroom with a timer,” he suggests. “Give them a tick every time they brush, and give them a reward every time they reach a certain number of days or weeks.”

Children’s teeth are different to adult’s teeth and therefore require different products to care for them. Dr Khalil says that parents should ensure kids are not using adult toothpaste (unless recommended by a dentist), as the fluoride strength may exceed the safe consumption levels and could even be toxic in high doses. 

But he says everyone should be using an electric toothbrush, no matter what their age.

“Electric toothbrushes can be relatively inexpensive and they are much more efficient. Some even have music and timers.” 

It’s essential that adults help supervise younger children as they brush, to ensure they aren’t accidentally missing hard to reach teeth or developing sloppy habits.

“Observing and guiding them is essential,” he says

“Children lack the dexterity that adults have, so they need reinforcement and even physical guidance. What are the chances a three year old will be able to brush every surface of 20 teeth adequately, every day, twice?”

The Australian Dental Association recommends that adults visit the dentist twice a year for a check up. Dr Khalil says an easy way to ensure your children’s teeth are healthy and strong is to book an appointment for them at the same time. 

“What's important to know is that dental checks aren't only about decay and sore teeth,” he says.

“Congenitally missing teeth, oral malformations and misaligned teeth can all be attended to if diagnosed earlier and can prevent future pain for your children and more expense for you.”

He says that good oral health can be assisted by a diet that is generally low in sugar. 

“Sugar is the main culprit - and that doesn't just mean fizzy drinks and lollies,” he says.

“Fruit juice, flavoured yogurts and muesli bars can contain sugar, so it’s best to keep these food types in moderation. Watering down juices and only allowing them close to meal times is a great alternative.”

But this doesn’t mean saying ‘no’ every single time kids want to enjoy a treat, so consult with your dentist about options that won’t negatively affect oral health.

This article was sponsored by Primary Dental Port Macquarie