Providing appropriate dental care from an early age is essential in order to maintain adequate oral hygiene. Children’s dental needs develop over time, which is why it’s important for parents and carers to understand these changes to help prevent cavities, encourage healthy habits and to support the education of good oral hygiene, which in turn supports their overall health and well-being.
In this article, we will discuss what you need to know at every stage of your child’s oral development, helping you support their growth with the healthiest start possible.
Contents
- Your Child’s First Dental Visit & Infant Oral Care
- Toddler and Preschooler Dental Health (ages 1-5)
- School-Aged Children’s Dental Care (ages 6-12)
- Teenage Dental Health Considerations
- Common Childhood Dental Issues and How to Prevent Them
- The Importance of Diet and Oral Hygiene Habits
- Finding the Right Pediatric Dentist and Making Dental Visits Positive
Your Child’s First Dental Visit & Infant Oral Care
A question most commonly asked in our field is ‘when should I first take my child to the dentist?’ and in our opinion, the sooner, the better.
Setting an early example of visiting the dentist and keeping up with this routine regularly, will not only maintain your child’s oral health, but also should prevent any negative associations or anxieties with visiting the practice.
So, with this being said, when your child turns 1, or sooner if they have any tooth eruptions, would be an ideal time to book an appointment.
It is recommended that you get your child used to the routine and sensation of brushing their teeth or gums from an early age, to embed these good practices for childhood and beyond.
Select a soft bristle baby toothbrush and use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, (approximate to a grain of rice) and brush their teeth just before they go to bed, after any foods or fluids.
Toddler and Preschooler Dental Health (ages 1-5)
This is a very critical time for children’s teeth. Baby teeth continue to arrive, eating solids become the main source of nutrition, and habits and routines are learned.
This is why as carers, it’s essential to keep sugary food and drinks to a minimum, including fruit juices, to not only support dental health but their overall health, too. Brushing has become even more important by this age, and this should be stepped up to twice daily with a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Book your child in for a check-up every 6 months, so your dentist can monitor and detect any concerns such as tooth decay, gum disease, or dental anomalies as early as possible.
School-Aged Children’s Dental Care (ages 6-12)
A child’s oral care adapts again once they lose their baby teeth. As adult teeth emerge, orthodontic issues such as crowding or overbites become noticeable, and a child may be referred to an orthodontist during this time.
Cleaning routines are still important, but now an even greater emphasis on education regarding dental care is required, as many children of this age are responsible for cleaning their own teeth.
With that being said, it is recommended that this is still done under supervision to ensure proper cleaning and flossing methods.
Teenage Dental Health Considerations
Hormonal changes can have negative impacts on oral health, such as gum disease or increased risk of tooth decay. Additionally, this is the time when many teenagers have braces or aligners, so extra care must be taken to brush adequately.
Teenagers take more control over their diet, and may consume more fizzy drinks or sugary foods, so effective brushing, flossing and check-ups remain important.
Common Childhood Dental Issues and How to Prevent Them
Tooth decay
The most prevalent dental concern in childhood is tooth decay. The best way to prevent this is by adopting a proper brushing routine, regular check-ups with your dentist, and largely avoiding sugary food and drinks.
Inflamed gums
Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, which results in swollen and bleeding gums. It’s great to encourage your child to brush their teeth themselves, but continue to check they are doing this effectively.
Misalignment of teeth
Misalignment refers to anything that results in the teeth not lining up when the jaw is closed, including overbites, underbites, crossbites as well as crowded teeth. This is often caused by genetics; however, some issues can occur due to prolonged dummy use or thumb sucking.
Dental injuries
Dental trauma such as chips, lost teeth or jaw injuries can happen during sports or other physical activities, and immediate dental support will be required. Be sure to equip your child with the appropriate headwear or mouth guards to lower the risk of this happening.
The Importance of Diet and Oral Hygiene Habits
Your child’s diet directly impacts the health of their teeth. Too much sugar or starchy foods can cause plaque and tooth decay, and if adequate oral care is not taken place, then the risks only get higher. Instead, encourage your child to eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and calcium rich foods such as nuts and dairy products.
Make sure that their oral hygiene habits become part of their everyday routine, and this includes brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. It’s also important to replace their toothbrush regularly, or when the bristles have become worn.
Finding the Right Pediatric Dentist and Making Dental Visits Positive
As well as providing an array of health benefits, taking your child to the dentist from an early age will also help to reduce any anxieties or concerns. A professional paediatric dentist will make your child feel comfortable, and informed about their treatment every step of the way.
Waiting rooms are often decorated in a warm and friendly tone, and toys and books are included to help them feel more at home. A small reward such as a sticker may also be provided to praise their time. As parents, it would be helpful to talk to your child about visiting the dentist positively, and perhaps even read books or watch videos to prepare them for their appointment.
Children’s dental care is something that is ever evolving, and as parents, it is beneficial to be mindful of these differences and their adapting needs. By supporting your child to brush effectively, visit the dentist regularly and limit sugary foods and drinks, you will equip them to have the very best start in their oral health journey.
