Oral Hygiene For Children
Last week was Dental Health Week. Now that dental week has been and gone, the team at Park Ridge ELC want the children to keep up the skills they learnt at the Centre at home as well. It’s never to early to teach them good oral hygiene and making good habits now make it easier for children to stick with them throughout life.
Some Tips To Keep Your Kids' Teeth Healthy
There are various things for you to do to keep your children’s teeth in the best condition, but here are a few tips we’ve learnt from our local dentist:
Brushing Your Teeth Twice A Day
Caring for your child’s oral health should start from when they’re a baby and into their toddler years. Although baby teeth will fall out and be replaced by adult teeth, parents still need to care for their child’s teeth in early life. You can find out the needs of each age group here.
If decay causes teeth to be removed rather than falling our themselves, it can cause issues such as crowding problems when their adult teeth start to come through.
Start Flossing At An Early Age
Children can start flossing their teeth even when they only have baby teeth. Once children’s teeth start to fit close together, parents can start to help their child floss their teeth to start a daily habit. Then a child can begin to do it themselves when they have developed the ability to floss their own teeth. By stressing the importance of flossing from a young age, this will help children to develop healthy habits while they still have their baby teeth. Brushing and flossing teeth regularly can help to eliminate the risk of a dental cavity which can be painful for children.
Regularly Visit The Dentist
Around the age of 1, or within a couple month of the first tooth appearing, parents should take children to see the dentist, to ensure their teeth are growing strong and healthily as well as checking that they are no early signs of tooth decay or cavities. Check-ups should follow regularly after this.
A Healthy Diet Is Important!
Your child also needs a healthy and balanced diet to maintain strong teeth. Fresh foods such as vegetables, fruit and meat are good options for meals. At Park Ridge Early Learning Centre, we provide healthy and nutritious meals every day, including meals for all dietary requirements.
Sugary foods should be eaten only in moderation as they cause tooth decay. Sources of calcium such as milk, cheese and yoghurt are excellent choices for building healthy teeth and gums. If your child is lactose intolerant, you can find lactose free versions of these available at supermarkets. You can also gain calcium from green leafy vegetables and fish such as salmon and tuna.
By teaching your children these healthy habits at home, you can ensure that they will have strong and healthy teeth throughout their lives.
