You’ve got their uniform ready, their lunchbox primed, and their stationary neatly packed, but have you thought about your child’s smile before they head back to school?
The Oral Health Foundation suggest that one in three (31%) of children will start their school year with tooth decay. This is disheartening as every case of tooth decay would have been avoidable with the proper preventative approach.
Keep reading to discover the top 4 tips and tricks to get your child’s oral health in great shape before they head off for the new school year.
Two minutes, twice a day!
To ensure your child’s smile is plaque-free, all you need is two minutes, twice a day, of proper brushing. Granted, this is easily said than done, especially with younger children. Still, online tools, such as the Brush DJ or printable incentive charts make this routine a joyful and fulfilling exercise!
Helpful vs harmful foods
When it comes to healthy teeth and gums, good dietary choices go a long way to keep harmful bacteria and plaque at bay. For example, switching sugary snacks for vegetables, breadsticks or crackers, and even cheese will help to neutralise harmful acids, prevent tooth decay and painful cavities.
Fluoride to strengthen tool enamel
Many children don’t like the strong, minty flavour of regular toothpaste, but there are alternatives out there to help get them into the habit of brushing. The taste of the toothpaste won’t make a difference to the health of your child’s teeth, but you must make sure to purchase a brand that contains the right amount of fluoride. If your child is younger than 3-years-old, they should be using a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million). This can increase to 1350-1500ppm after their third birthday.
Regular dental visits
The best way to keep your child’s smile in check is to visit the dentist for regular check-ups. The earlier you bring your child to see a dentist, the more comfortable they will feel in the dental chair! We recommend bringing them in by the time their first tooth appears or by their first birthday.