How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy:

As a mum, ensuring your baby is in good health is on the top of your priority list, but you may be unsure as to how to go about keeping their pearly whites clean and preventing cavities when they are babies and toddlers. Many parents struggle to understand how to involve good brushing techniques into their child’s routine and when it is the most suitable time to visit a dentist.

There are many ways you can give your child the best chance of great oral health with a few easy techniques. This guide will offer some useful advice on how to make the process as streamlined as possible.

1. Start early

As soon as your baby’s first tooth appears is the moment when you need to start thinking about their oral health and how to approach brushing. Fluoride toothpaste is the best choice for your little one, as it contains ingredients that counteract tooth decay.

Although your baby won’t be able to use a full-sized toothbrush, you could purchase a finger brush which gets them used to the strange brushing sensation on their teeth. Start this routine each evening after their last feed.

2. Visit a dentist

Many mums are clueless of the ideal age to start taking their child to the dentist, however, the ADA recommends that their first visit should be before their first birthday. During the first visit, the dentist will recommend the best brushing techniques and carry out a quick check of the gums while your baby sits comfortably on your knee.

Try to not to arouse a sense of fear in your child about going to the dentist. You should aim to make the experience as positive as possible, or you may have a problem on your hands if anxiety kicks in as they get older.

Consider taking your child to a dentist who has a vast amount of experience in dealing with babies and children. These visits in the early stages of their life should ensure issues are found as soon as they occur, as well as getting them used to having their teeth checked. Why not contact Acadia Dental for some advice on this? They are a trusted Dentist in Woden, Canberra, who will provide you with a professional and satisfying experience when it comes to your baby’s first visit? Going to a family dentist who has experience with working with kids can help create a sense of calm for you and your child alike.

3. Give your child control

Once they have reached the age where they can start brushing themselves, try and make the process fun by allowing them to choose their own toothbrush. Kids toothbrushes come in a range of bright colours and some are even themed with their favourite characters. You could even opt for electric toothbrushes which vibrate and light up. This small technique should encourage them to brush their teeth twice a day, without it being too much of a chore.

4. Teach them techniques

Babies and toddlers learn by default, therefore, if they watch you brush, they are likely to follow the proper routine. It would be wise to monitor your child until they are around eight years old to ensure that they are brushing correctly.