How can I help my children maintain healthy teeth and gums?
- The dentist is an important factor in preventing future dental conditions and repairing existing problems, but remember that good dental hygiene begins at home, requiring daily attention and diligence.
- Supervise your children when they are brushing their teeth and flossing until you are confident they are doing it properly.
- Make sure they brush their teeth at least twice a decay.
- Don’t let them use too much toothpaste and never let them swallow it. A pea-sized amount is sufficient for children.
- Keep sugary foods and drinks to a minimum and make sure they brush their teeth afterwards.
- As some paediatric medicines may contain a significant amount of sugar, encourage your children to brush their teeth after taking these substances to prevent possible discolouration over time.
- Keep an eye on your children to see if their teeth are coming in straight or if they are developing any problems with their bite. If you have any concerns, consult the dentist right away, even if it is between regular check-ups. The younger a child is, the more pliable their teeth are. This means that very young teeth may be realigned with minor orthodontic procedures, avoiding more intensive treatment at a later age.
- Last but not least, if your children are real sports enthusiasts, encourage them to use a mouth guard to prevent painful, unsightly, and costly damage.
