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HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN’S TEETH HEALTHY

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN’S TEETH HEALTHY

Whether your baby has no teeth or is already teething, dental care should be at the forefront of your mind as this is essential for giving your child the best chance at avoiding dental issues in later life. This is your opportunity to encourage healthy tooth development and positive dental habits. While it may not seem like a pressing priority right now, it truly is never too soon to start.

Your baby’s teeth are ready and waiting under their gums the moment they’re born. While ‘dental hygiene’ may seem strange for teeth still hidden under the surface, it’s a vital part of healthy development. The trouble is that you can’t exactly brush teeth which aren’t there, so many new parents are at a loss as to what they should do. The good news is that there are a few different options which can make a huge difference to young dental health, and we’re going to talk you through some here.

Limit sugar

Sugar is a risk to teeth everywhere, and your baby is no exception. Sugary foods and drinks can damage teeth before they’ve fully grown, meaning your baby will be fighting a losing battle straight away. The thing to remember here is that babies aren’t born with a sweet tooth. As such, leaning towards sugar-free foods and drinks is always a better option.

Using dummies

There have been endless conversations about the impact dummies can have on tooth development, and the consensus isn’t good. If your baby sucks a dummy as their teeth are growing, they are more at risk of issues like protruding front teeth. If your child currently uses a dummy discuss this with your dental team and aim to stop this by the time the adult teeth are starting to arrive at approximately six.

  

It’s never too soon for a toothbrush

Whether your baby has one tooth or none, it’s never too soon to get them used to a toothbrush. Letting them play with a soft-bristled brush will give you a chance to develop their understanding of dental health at a young age. Don’t think that you can skip brushing because it’s ‘just one tooth’. The moment your child’s teeth come through you need to get them into the routine of brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

Know when to call the dentist

It’s also vital that you don’t hesitate to bring your child to see a dentist. We recommend starting this as soon as your baby’s teeth come through, or certainly within six months after teething starts. The sooner you bring them into our practice, the sooner we can help you to ensure your child’s dental health is as good as it can be.

Our clinic is conveniently located close to Kew, Mont Albert, Surrey Hills, Hawthorn, Deepdene and Camberwell. Please feel free to contact our caring dentists on 03) 9817 7144 for any of your dental needs.