There are few things better than getting a baby or toddler to laugh. But in addition to constantly pulling faces at them, adults can lay the foundation for a bright smile by encouraging good dental care practices with children. The Reef Dental Centre is here to tell you how.

Building Healthy Smiles for Life 

From the moment those first tiny teeth emerge, and even before, parents and caregivers play a crucial role in maintaining their child’s dental well-being. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on helps prevent tooth decay, which can interfere with a child’s ability to eat, sleep, and concentrate. Children who learn to care for their teeth early are more likely to continue practising good oral hygiene into adulthood. So, let’s take a closer look at practical tips on how to navigate children’s dental care.

Babies and Toddlers 

Even before teeth emerge, cleaning a baby’s gums with a soft cloth after feeding removes bacteria. This is before the time some parents and carers have come to dread. Brace yourselves. Teething can be a challenge!

• Teething: Teething typically begins around six months of age but can vary widely from baby to baby. Some babies may start teething as early as three months, while others may not begin until around 12 months. Signs of teething can include increased drooling, irritability, chewing on objects, swollen gums, flushed cheeks, loss of appetite and (as if it wasn’t difficult enough already) disrupted sleep. To help comfort your baby, you can gently massage their gums with a clean finger and give them cool (not frozen) objects like teething rings or a chilled washcloth for them to chew on. Over-the-counter remedies like teething gels are available but may only offer limited relief since saliva can quickly wash it off the gums.

• Baby Teeth Development: Baby teeth usually begin to appear between 6 and 10 months of age. By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth. Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a crucial role in chewing, speaking, and guiding permanent teeth into place. Early loss of baby teeth due to decay or other issues can lead to problems with bite alignment and speech development. You can care for baby teeth by gently cleaning them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as they emerge. It’s recommended to schedule your child’s first dental visit within six months of the eruption of their first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.

While it may seem like a young age to take a child to a dentist, it is an excellent way to help create a positive relationship between them early on. It helps ‘demystify’ the process and makes it less scary for return visits as they grow.

Aged three and Up 

Since your child now has a mouth full of little gnashers, it is important to foster positive dental habits.

• Nutritional Habits: Sugary snacks and drinks contribute to tooth decay by providing fuel for harmful bacteria in the mouth. Try to limit high-sugar foods like candies, cookies and cakes. Also, watch out for snacks like muesli bars, which many consider a healthier option but are packed full of sugar. Try fresh fruit or cheese as a snack alternative. When it comes to drinks, encourage water consumption to rinse away food particles or milk, which is an excellent source of calcium. Remember, it’s still ok to treat your kids. Just make it the exception rather than the rule.

• Educate and Empower: Parents should teach proper brushing and flossing techniques and supervise until their child can do it independently. Establishing a routine makes oral care a habit. You can make it fun by introducing brushing songs or using bright toothbrushes. Those baby teeth will still fall out, but presenting the tooth fairy will make it far less traumatic. Ideally, teeth should be brushed for at least two minutes, once in the morning and then again before bedtime. Children should be able to do this by around eight years old.
• Losing Teeth: Losing baby teeth can vary in timing and sequence for each child, but it’s essential to encourage proper oral hygiene during this transition to ensure healthy gums and the successful eruption of permanent teeth. Parents can assist by gently wiggling loose teeth to aid in their removal and by maintaining regular dental check-ups to monitor the progress of tooth development.

• Regular Checkups: Regular dental checkups are essential for children because they allow dentists to closely monitor the growth and development of their teeth and gums. By scheduling routine visits, any potential dental issues can be detected early on before they have the chance to progress into more serious problems. These checkups also provide an opportunity to help prevent anxiety about trips to the dentist. Pediatric dentists are skilled in creating a positive environment for children. They may use techniques like tell-show-do, where they explain procedures in a child-friendly manner before performing them or use distractions like toys or TV shows to make things less stressful.

• Dental Trauma: Children are often active and adventurous, which can sometimes lead to accidents resulting in dental injuries such as chipped or broken teeth. Encouraging children to wear appropriate safety equipment during sports and activities can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries. This includes mouthguards for sports like football, basketball, and hockey and helmets for activities like biking and skateboarding.

In Safe Hands at The Reef Dental Centre

Our expert team understands the importance of early dental care in ensuring excellent oral hygiene. By providing exceptional care and monitoring your child’s oral development, we will instil good habits that last a lifetime. At The Reef Dental Centre, we excel in recognising and resolving concerns that could impact your child’s dental, jaw, and facial development. Our dedication extends throughout every phase of your child’s growth, from infancy through childhood. You can trust us to safeguard your child’s dental health journey with expert care and personalised attention. Contact us today to book an appointment!