Category: Children Dentistry

Children dental care should start when the child is still of a tender age. According to Australian Dental Association, the first visit to the dentist should happen between the period when the first tooth erupts and not later than the first birthday. Even just tiny baby teeth can get a cavity. During the first dental visit to the dentist with your child, take advantage of this appointment. Ask the dentist on all you need to know when it comes to providing proper dental care to your child.

Start committing your children to brushing and flossing as soon as they are old enough to understand the importance of good oral hygiene. Australian Dental Association breaks down children’s dental habits as they should occur by age. At the age of six and younger, the child is not yet conversant with proper dental habits. Introduce them to brushing, allow them to do it for themselves but be sure to jump in whenever necessary. Between the age of 7 and 12, children between this age brackets know how to brush on their own,but they may not want to. As much as they are almost becoming teenagers, you should jump in to ensure that the job is properly done. Encourage them to brush and floss on a daily basis.

The other age bracket is between the age of 13 and 18. According to Australian Dental Association, this is a very critical time for dental care. Children are more likely to develop cavities between this age brackets because they may not have developed it while as kids and this may make them slack off with their dental hygiene. Don’t let your teenage child let go of good oral care otherwise; they may carry the bad habit to adulthood.

Primary teeth also known as baby teeth appear when the child is between six months and one year old. Most children will develop a whole set of twenty primary teeth by the time they are three years old. When the teeth first come in, your baby’s gums may become tender and swollen. Rubbing your child’s gums using a wet gauze during this period may bring a soothing effect. However, if the baby appears to be in pain, make sure you contact your pediatric dentist immediately.

Some parents have this belief that they don’t have to provide proper dental care to their children because their teeth will eventually fall out. This could be further from the truth. Children teeth are vulnerable to dental cavities as soon as they erupt from the gums. In fact, the Australian Dental Association recommends that parents should wipe their children’s gums with a wet washcloth when they are just a few days old.

ADA states that tooth decay among young children is currently on the rise and misuse of feeding cups and bottles may be to blame. The feeding cups also known as Sippy cups are meant to help the child transition from using feeding bottles to drinking beverages to using normal cups. However, parents tend to use them for convenience too often. When they are used to extend the period of time to take sugary beverages, they expose the child to the high risk of tooth decay. Parents should learn to use Sippy cups to only give their children water during meal times.

The same applies to feeding bottles. Experts say that feeding bottles should only be used for breast milk and formula milk and not for beverages such as juice. Another major culprit for tooth decay is pacifiers. The ADA warns that pacifiers that have been dipped in honey, juice or sugar may lead to tooth decay. Another detrimental dental habit for children especially after permanent teeth has grown thumb sucking. It can alter the roof of the mouth and make the child develop problems such as teeth alignment. Normally, children should stop sucking they thumbs between the age of 2 and 4. In the event that you notice you notice any changes with the alignment of your baby’s teeth, consult your dentist immediately.

In most cases, children cannot properly express what they are feeling. Parents must act as their children advocates during visits to the dentist to ensure that they receive proper dental care despite fear of the dentist. If your child expresses fear of visiting the dentist, know that you are not alone. ADA says that almost 20 percent of school-age children are afraid of visiting the dentist. From a child’s point of view, a trip to visit the dentist may be scary. Lying on a dentist chair in an unfamiliar room with strange, cold, metallic instruments poking their mouth may not be the best experience.

While preparing to visit the dentist, don’t mention scary words such as ‘pain’, ‘hurt’ or ‘shot’. At the same time make sure that you are not projecting your own fears of visiting the dentist to your child. Maintain a positive attitude to the child and keep calm so that he or she can feel at ease.

No matter how much time you might have taken talking to the dentist before the dental appointment, children are children. Tantrums and fussing happen, and your child dentist has seen it all. Let your child’s pediatric dentist guide you on the best way to handle your child when dental fear and anxiety get the best of them. They may advise you to be close to your child and hold their hand during the dental procedure. The worst thing you can do is fail to visit the dentist because you think that your child will not corporate. Discuss visiting the dentist with your child and make sure that they see it as an experience worth undertaking. You can even play being dentist and your child being patient at home before the actual appointment.

It is recommended that parents should brush with their children until they attain the age of eight and they should floss with them until they are ten. However, this may feel likevery tedious work. So the only way to ensure that this happens and instil proper dental care habits to the child is to make it fun.

Instead of just setting a timer and brush for two minutes every day, you can make the experience fun by listening to your child’s favorite music while doing it. Other tips include telling interesting stories about teeth brushing and flossing to your child and watching TV shows that feature characters who are brushing their teeth. You can also let your child pick his or her toothbrush as well as fluoride toothpaste. Such activities will make children want to brush and floss their teeth more.

However, as much as it is important to make the activity fun, it is also important to remain firm. Don’t fail to follow your daily teeth brushing and flossing routine just because your family is out for a vacation. Be firm and stick to the routine.

There have been concerns surrounding the role of fluoride toothpaste among children and drinking fluoridated water. However, fluoride is one of the safest and best ways to prevent cavities among both children and adults. Australian Dental Association explains that fluoride protects the tooth enamel by making it stronger and resistant to the action of acid produced by bacteria present in the mouth. This helps in reducing the risk of developing cavities and can also reverse early signs of tooth decay.

Fluoridating drinking water has been said to be one of the best achievement for the government. Water is one of the best and most affordable beverage to give your children. It is important to know that water naturally contains some percentage of fluoride in it. Experts say that drinking fluoridated water complements the work that has been done by using fluoride toothpaste.

Another dental care term that parents should familiarize themselves with is a sealant. A slant is a thin protective coating made of plastic and other materials that help in covering the chewing surface of the molars or the back teeth. Sealants help in stopping cavities formation on the back teeth that are difficult to brush.

Parents should also be conversant with a condition known as malocclusion or bad bite. This condition mostly occurs when the child is between the age of 6 and 12 just when the child has started developing permanent teeth. It occurs when the teeth are out of alignment, crooked or when the jaws don’t fit properly. If this condition goes untreated, it may impact on how the Childs peaks and eat. It can also affect proper development of the jaws and leaves protruding teeth at risk of fractures or chips.

The number one rule when it comes to good nutrition for healthy teeth remains limiting on sugar intake. This can be quite difficult for children especially during the holidays such as Halloween and Easter. Parents are encouraged to have their children brush and floss their teeth soon after taking sugary foods and drinks. However, the best remedy remains abstaining from them altogether. It is also important for parents to focus on foods that strengthen the teeth and makes them healthy. Here are some of the recommended foods for that can help preserve strong teeth for children.

• Dairy Products

Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yoghurt are rich in calcium. Calcium is a mineral that strengthens not only the bones but also the teeth by strengthening the enamel. Moreover, some dairy products help in saliva production which plays an important role when it comes to protecting teeth against bacteria. Include dairy products in your children’s meals and also as a healthy snack. Dairy products help in lowering the PH in the mouth and thus reducing the action of acid produced by bacteria. This helps in preventing tooth decay and cavities.

• Protein

Protein is vital for healthy teeth and gums. You can add some proteins such as chicken or beef in your kids’ diet. The phosphorous present in animal protein is beneficial for oral health. If your child doesn’t like meat, you can include an egg in the diet. Also, if he or she is a vegetarian, you can let them have foods such as beans and nuts.

• Vitamin C

Make sure that your children take foods that are rich in vitamin C. Such foods includes kiwi fruits, citrus fruits, melons, potatoes and strawberries. Vitamin C helps in reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth thus preventing gum disease and maintaining healthy gums. However, you should exercise some degree of caution when it comes to citrus fruits. The acid present in them can damage teeth enamel. To minimize their effects, make sure that your children drink a lot of water after having the fruits.

One of the most important tips for ensuring that your child maintains strong and healthy teeth is finding the best dentist. Usually, this goes hand in hand with finding a dentistry practice that has all kinds of dental specialists including paediatrics. Visiting an experienced pediatric dentist helps in fostering good dental hygiene habits to your child.

It is easy to get overwhelmed by options when looking for a dentist for your child. Narrowing it down to the best pediatric dentist in your location can take some time and the willingness to ask questions. However, if you clearly know what you are looking for, you can find a dentist who is perfect not only for your kid but the whole family. Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a children’s dentist.

• Check their credentials

A well-trained dentist who specialises in children should undergo a minimum of two additional years of training in treating dental problems in children. A good pediatric dentist should be well knowledgeable about the dental habits affecting children and how to effectively treat them.

• Convenience

You may find a dentist who is perfect in every way, but if their dental office is only open when you are at work or is on the other side of the island, then they are not a good choice for you. Choose a dentist whose office hours are favoured you and your family.

• Atmosphere

Your child may want to visit a dental office that offers a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Toys to play with, colourful waiting room and happy welcoming staff all make a huge difference to a child. In some dental offices, they go a step further by giving their little patients gift bags containing toothpaste and a fun toothbrush after each visit. Thisvisitsthe dentist an exciting experience thereby making a child feel more comfortable going on a regular basis.

• Willingness to educate

Not only should gooddental care for your child’s teeth, but also be willing to educate both you and your child on all matters pertaining proper oral care at home.

• Gather recommendations

Gather recommendations from your friends and family with children whom they trust. You may ask your child’s doctor for some referrals. You may also want to visit the website for the Australian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to research n children’s dentists in your area.

• The importance of consultation

A caring and considerate pediatric dentist will often offer a preliminary consultation. This visit will not be intended for treatment,but it will be giving your child an opportunity to meet and interact with the dentist. In other times, gender can be a factor to be considered. For instance, your son may feel more comfortable with a male dentist.

When it comes to your kids, there is nothing more important than taking proper care of their health early. From the moment a child is born, we are constantly keeping in check their health and providing them with a comprehensive health plan that extends years into their future. Unfortunately, this is not always the same as a child’s oral health. Many parents tend to assume their children’s first dental visits until their permanent teeth start to come in, which is a very serious mistake. Just like it is essential to get an early start on taking care of your child’s overall health, it is equally important to get an early start on their oral health too. Here are a few benefits of taking your child to the dentist:

• The Routine Check-up

When a child starts visiting a dental office, it is often to get the child into the habit of getting routine dental check-ups. Routine dental check-ups enable the dentists to monitor how well a child is taking care of their oral health from one visit to another. The most common frequency of a routine check-up will be twice a year on average. Routine check-ups are also a good opportunity for the dentists to educate and review helpful oral hygiene tips with children such as proper flossing and brushing, which are vital in maintaining a child’s oral health. The dentist may also find the need for discussing dietary factors and strategies which are important in improving your child’s state of oral health.

• It Instills Good Habits

Parents should not take it for granted that their child understands the importance of proper teeth brushing and flossing. A pediatric dentist helps educate your child on the consequences of bad oral habits and the rewards of the good ones. In addition, if your child sucks their thumb or does anything that might endanger their oral health, a dentist will be able to give suggestions on how to help them stop. Regular visits to the dentist is a good oral habit. When it is your family’s norm to go in for check-ups and cleanings twice yearly, that is something that your child may pick and carry with them into the future.

• Primary Teeth are Important

When a child starts to grow some teeth, it is very important for the parents to ensure that they keep these primary teeth intact. As much as these teeth will eventually fall out, until then, the primary teeth are integral in helping your child to speak correctly and eat properly.

• It Helps your Child Develop a Positive View of Dentistry

Many adults have dentophobia, but you may save your child from that fate if you are keen to ensure that they receive compassionate and preventive care from an early age. This will enable them to enjoy their dental visits and keep looking forward to that clean mouth which comes after a regular dental appointment.

• It Saves your Child from Pain and Suffering

Primary teeth serve as placeholders for adult teeth. If these teeth fall out too early, the ones that follow may come in crooked, and this may lead to the need for orthodontic treatment. It also saves your child from decay, which can occur as soon as teeth appear.

Conclusion

A majority of people don’t understand how important children teeth are. They are instrumental in chewing and biting which affects child’s nutrition. Children who have their teeth extracted early due to cavities and tooth decay have troubles eating fruits and healthy vegetables. These are an important food for your child’s health. Baby teeth also hold space for permanent teeth. If there are extracted too early, the chances are that permanent teeth will grow crooked. Ensure that you practice proper dental hygiene on your child. Also, make sure that you take him or her to visit the dentist on a regular basis.

Dental inlays and onlays are cosmetic dental procedures used to restore a damaged or decayed tooth to its original condition and also strengthen its functionality. They are a way better method compared to dental crown since they don’t involve removing the healthy tooth structure. Due to this reason, inlays and outlays are considered to be minimally invasive cosmetic dental work. They are also a much better choice for most patients. A dental crown, however, is not a bad dental procedure, but then it involves removal of healthy tooth structure than necessary. This increases the risk of tooth structure that may demand more complicated dental procedure in future such as root canal.

What is the Difference between Inlays and Outlays?

Both inlays and outlays are dental procedures used to restore the decayed or damaged tooth. Both of them are made out of material that resembles the tooth such as porcelain or composite resin. The difference between the two is that inlays are used to treat a smaller area of decay. They are specifically used when the decay is isolated within the cusps of the teeth.

On the other hand, the outlays are used to repair the more extensive dental damage that extends beyond one or more cusps. They are also referred to as partial crowns. Your dentist will help you decide on the most appropriate option for you.

Inlay and Onlay Procedure

The procedure for placing an inlay or an onlay is virtually the same. Both procedures require two visits to the dentist. The first visit involves preparation of the tooth. During the preparation, your dentist will remove the damaged or decayed part of the tooth. Since the procedure is conservative, your dentist will only remove a small part of the tooth as possible. Your dentist will use local anaesthetic if he or she will be removing the decayed or damaged part using a drill or air-abrasion.

After removing the decayed or damaged part, your dentist will now take an impression of your tooth and send it to a dental lab. He or she will then place a temporary restoration until the mould comes back from the lab. However, you can avoid wearing a temporary restoration and waiting for another dental visit if your dentist has a milling unit. Once the restoration is ready, you will be required to make another visit to your dentist to remove the temporary restoration and replace it with a permanent one.

The Benefits of the Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlaysoffer benefits to the patient both functionality and aesthetically. They can improve the appearance of a damaged tooth and also restore its strength. Here are some of the many benefits of inlays and onlays:

– Preserves the Tooth
Inlays and outlays are directly bond to the tooth and thus requires less of the natural part of the tooth to be removed.

– Durable
Both inlays and onlaysare made out of durable material such as porcelain and composite resin. If they are well taken care of, they can last for over a decade

– Improves Appearance
Inlays and Onlays are custom-made in a way that they resemble the natural tooth. So, they repair the damaged or decayed tooth and improves appearance.

Bottom Line: Enjoy a Renewed and Beautiful Smile

Inlays and Onlaysrestore both the functionality of your tooth and its appearance so that you can smile with confidence. Whether you are interested in treating damaged or decayed tooth or you want to replace an old dental feeling, inlays and onlays may be the right option for you. We welcome you to Carrum Downs Dental Clinic and learn more about which option is more favourable for you.

Thumb sucking is a normal habit that children develop at very young age. It is soothing and also enables the child connect and explore their environment. However, if this habit goes beyond 3 years, there are high chances that the child will develop biting problems. Usually, when a child has a normal bite, the upper teeth grow in a way that they overlap with the lower ones. However, it is possible for thumb or finger sucking to interfere with the normal teeth and jaw growth. In some cases, the thumb sucking habit develops open bites, which means that the teeth fails tooverlap when a child bites. Instead, there anopen space is created between the lower and upper teeth. That’s why this habit should be discouraged, though we do not want to intervene too soon.

Benefits of Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking comes with some benefits. However, these benefits vanish after your baby gets at six months of age. Thumb sucking helps anew-bornto develop the jaw and mouth muscles. Also, your child is less likely to develop allergic hypersensitivity and can have fewer allergies. This is due tothe hygiene hypothesis which suggests that decrease in infections resulting from overly disinfected lifestyle is the reason behind the increase in allergies and diseases. Either way, this theory is not strong enough to suggest that thumb sucking is the best way to prevent allergies, especially when you compare the benefits against the consequences.

Consequences of Thumb Sucking

While thumb sucking may seem harmless, its consequences should be taken seriously as they may affect your child’s health in future. Here are the negative effects of thumb sucking:

– Shrinking the airway
– Improper teeth position
– Abnormal tongue rest
– Changing the shape of the face
– Poor swallow patterns
– Narrowing of the jaw or palate
– Speech issues
– Altered breathing patterns

How to Help your Child Stop Thumb Sucking

If your child reaches the age when permanent teeth start developing and they still won’t stop sucking their thumb, here is what you can do:

– Find alternative ways to calm down
Children may be sucking their thumb because they may not have any alternative to calm them down. Encourage interactive activities that keep their hands busy therefore keeping them distracted from sucking their thumbs.

– Educate on proper dental hygiene
It will be easy for your child to stop thumb sucking if they are fully aware of why you are reprimanding them from the habit. This will help them understand that you are not just mad at them for nothing. Educate them on the importance of proper dental hygiene and why thumb sucking can negatively affect their dental health.

– Help them express their feeling using words
Children may be thumb sucking because they are experiencing a hard time expressing their feelings using words. If this is the case, encourage your child to become more expressive through words. Also, have a talk with them and ask questions that will help you understand what they may be going through and things that may be stressing them out.

Bottom Line

Thumb sucking is one of the reasons why it is essential to take your child for regular dental exams, starting from his first birthday. We at Carrum Downs Dental Clinic educate your child on the proper oral hygiene techniques which help in preventing tooth decay and generally monitor their dental growth and development.Please call us to schedule for an appointment, if you have any concerns or questions about your child’s dental health.

Your child should first visit the dentist by her first birthday, but it is also fine to wait until the baby is two. Delaying the visit more than that would put your child at the risk of dealing with dental cavities or plaque build-up. However, other parents assume that since baby teeth will eventually be replaced, there is no point in taking care of them, which is a big mistake. As much as your child’s permanent teeth are not visible, they are gradually developing under the primary teeth. Therefore, it is essential to see a dentist ensure that everything is developing as expected. You may bring your child to your dentist if he treats children, but a pediatric dentist is the best more so for kids who may be anxious and fearful. Pediatric dentists are doctors who have gone through special training in taking care of kids and often have extremely kid-friendly dental offices.

Having your child at home means taking your time and teaching them the importance of proper oral hygiene. This also includes creating a good relationship with the dentist. Of course, this begins during that first visit to the dental office. This new experience may be a scary time for your child filled with the unknowns. As a parent, you have the role of helping your child have ample time during the visit and lessen many of their fears in the process. Here are tips on how to prepare your child for their first visit to the dentist.

Tell them what to expect

Your child’s fear may come due to not knowing what to expect. You may get onto the dental office website you are planning to visit and show your child some of the office images to ease anxiety and fear. When booking an appointment with the dentist, ask for a rundown of their schedule so that you can relay that to your child. Also, while brushing your child’s teeth, try and explain that the dentist will also be doing the same thing.

Examine your child at home

Examining your child’s teeth at home will help the child be more comfortable having their teeth checked by a dentist. Always take time to check through your child’s mouth regularly. This may prove to be difficult with an infant but try using the knee to knee technique. This technique involves two adults sitting with their knees touching and the baby’s head is laid on one of the adult’s lap to have a good look. Even if your baby has no teeth at this age, you should gently wipe his or her gums with a warm, wet washcloth after meals. You may also stimulate your child’s mouth with a tiny, soft-bristled toothbrush.

Be a role model

Your child is like a little sponge. He/she soaks up every little detail and emotion from you. Therefore, it is important that you be a good role model of oral hygiene for your child even before visiting the dentist. As your child’s role model, it is essential that you demonstrate to them good oral habits and teach them how to care for their teeth properly. Usually, a child that knows how to take good care of their teeth is less likely to feel anxious about visiting the dentist. Also, be very careful about your feelings and views about visiting the dentist. Many parents tend to have the same fear about going to the dentist just like the children do. Truly, there is absolutely nothing for your child to fear. Therefore, make a point of being conscious of how you express your feelings because they may negatively influence them.

Let your child know that dentists are good guys.

It is important to let your child know that dentists are good people who are responsible for keeping their teeth in good shape. Briefly explain to your child that we only get two sets of teeth that last a lifetime, so it is good to take care of them. Also, explain to your child that brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist are part of that routine of growing big and healthy.

Be honest and Understanding

In case your child needs some dental work, it can be easy and tempting for you to lie on how things are done. Being honest with your child is the best policy. However, it is important that you avoid using words that may be threatening to your child. In case your child happens to have dental visits fear, enquire from them what exactly they are, be attentive and try to understand their feelings. You can then positively answer any of their questions and offer the good experiences you’ve had with the dentist.

A pediatric dentist is a type of dentist who has the necessary knowledge and tools to maintain good oral care for children of all ages. A skilled paediatric dentist also knows how vital it is to provide positive experiences for each child to ensure their dedication to keeping teeth healthy. A good paediatric dentist also knows how to encourage a child to maintain proper dental care and visit the dentist regularly.

Children should visit the dentist at least after every six months. Whether they still have their milk teeth or are growing permanent ones, every stage of a child’s teeth development is very important. A regular visit to the dentist helps the parents to know about the current state of their children teeth and how to improve their state. They are many benefits of taking your child to see a dentist and most of these benefits last into adulthood. Here are some of them:

Helps to Keep the Child Mouth Clean
Regular visits to a paediatric dentist help in keeping the child’s mouth clean. It’s a good idea to start a regular dental regimen once your child has celebrated his first birthday. Visits to the dentist will involve removal of built-up plaque and tartar as well as eliminate stains on the surface of the teeth. Eliminating plaque and tartar helps in preventing bacteria from sticking to the tooth. Some of these bacteria are responsible for causing cavities and tooth decay in the long run. Most young children don’t know how to brush their teeth properly. That’s why these trips to the dentist are essential for getting rid of plaque build-up and debris that they miss out.

A paediatric dentist has the right skills to effectively clean and cares for kids teeth of all ages. Children with milk teeth require different dental needs compared to adults or children who have already developed permanent teeth. A paediatric dentist will be able to take care of children teeth despite their structure.

Ensures Healthy Development of Teeth

Baby teeth are just a starting ground for adult teeth. When a child has healthy teeth, it is easier for adult teeth to come healthily. Neglecting proper dental care for a child may cause his or her tooth to fall out too soon. This may have a negative effect on the growing permanent teeth as they may grow out of position. Such an occurrence will make the permanent teeth to grow in a crooked way. Taking your child to the dentist who has the right knowledge for kids will help prevent such an occurrence. If the tooth falls too early, the dentist will be able to apply proper measures to align the permanent teeth.

Maintaining healthy teeth when a child is growing helps in preventing additional and complicated dental work in future. If the permanent teeth grow in straight and well aligned, the child will be able to avoid the embarrassment of having to grow crooked teeth. It may also save the parents time and money that they will have used to try and rectify such problems.

Prevents Tooth Decay

One of the most important parts of visiting the dentist on a regular basis is that they are able to detect cavities on the surface of the tooth early. It’s common for children to eat unhealthy foods for their teeth and also slack on regular brushing and flossing. It is important to detect cavities on the baby’s teeth early enough since it is quicker and easier to treat. Failure to detect cavities early may lead to tooth decay, further destroying the tooth structure. Damaged teeth may lead to infections and may require advanced dental procedures such as fillings to rectify.

The damage is even more dangerous if it occurs to a child who has already developed permanent teeth. Permanent teeth will remain in the child’s mouth for a lifetime so they should be taken care of diligently. Regular visits to a paediatric dentist will ensure that a child will maintain a healthy and brighter smile throughout his or her life. Regular cleaning and fluoride treatment help in maintaining early permanent teeth in good health. If the new permanent teeth start over in bad health, the condition will only grow worse in future.

Teaches Your Child Ideal Dental Health

Giving your children proper lessons on how to take care of their teeth will provide them with the right knowledge and motivation to carry out proper dental hygiene measures throughout their lives. When parents explain the purpose of dental appointments, children will learn the importance of visiting the dentist regularly. Initially, a dental office is not a place where a child would comfortably want to visit. However, with regular visits, the child will start to appreciate the process and feel more comfortable. Through regular visits, the dentist will be able to teach the child the importance of clean mouth and the right technique of brushing and flossing the teeth.

Children should be in a position to brush their teeth by the age of seven, though they will still need some assistance from the parent until they attain ten years. Flossing is an important part of dental hygiene,but most children will find it difficult. Parents should help their children to floss their teeth until their reach ten years old.

Shows the Importance of Responsibility

Regular visits to the dentist help the child to learn how to be able to keep commitments to important appointments. Regular visits to the dentist are important to keep the mouth healthy, the kind of care children will learn to give to their teeth will teach them how to provide care for their body in general. This will resulting good health habits that will carry on even when the child becomes an adult. If children carry this important trait to their adulthood, they will also be able to pass them on to their children.

Good habits for children should start early enough in life, and good dental habits are not exceptional. It is important that parents teach their kids the proper way of taking care of their teeth. Regular brushing, flossing and rinsing using mouthwash are all familiar healthy oral habits. But then what about bad dental habits? Getting rid of a bad dental habit is as important as it is to teach the good ones. Here are common bad oral habits that children may develop which should be avoided for healthy teeth.

Sucking on their thumb or fingers

It is surprising how children keep on sucking their thumbs and fingers as they grow. This is a bad habit that may deform your child’s upper and lower arches of their mouth. Also, your child keeps growing they tend to pick up germs on their hand, so it is very unhealthy for them to suck on thumbs and fingers.

Brushing too hard

When your child brushes their teeth too hard with a nylon toothbrush, they can seriously damage their teeth resulting in gum recession. Always teach your child that daily gently brushing their teeth will still remove the food remains and plaque that has been formed.

Grinding teeth

Not only does grinding of teeth cause damage to your child’s teeth but also may lead to jaw problems in future. Consult with your paediatric dentist if your child keeps on grinding their teeth to see if your child can get a mouth guard to protect his teeth from damage.

Chewing hard objects

Hard candy is one of the most common treat parents use to reward their children. But the problem is that your child will try to chew on the candy which may lead to chipping or fracturing of the teeth. Avoid giving your child hard candy or foods including ice.

Swallowing toothpaste

Your child may insist on brushing their teeth by themselves which is a good attitude towards building their self-confidence. However, some little help is still necessary. Swallowing of too much toothpaste may cause fluorosis, which is harmful to your child’s health. Ensure that you always use a pea size amount of toothpaste for your child and discourage them from swallowing each time they brush.

Chewing sugar bubble gum

Sugar from the bubble gum quickly builds up in your child’s mouth creating a breeding ground for bacteria which leads to dental cavities. It is good to ensure your child chews on sugar-free gum.

Start early

Many parents are aware that their child’s first dental visit should be before their first birthday or few months after their first tooth appears. But, what most of these parents do not know is that brushing can start long before baby’s first tooth. Before your child’s teeth appear, you can be wiping the gums with a clean wet cloth to remove food remains, milk or juice. When you wipe your child’s gums, it makes them more familiar with oral hygiene.

Fight baby bottle tooth decay

Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a pacifier or bottle with anything else except water. When you continuously expose your child’s teeth to fluids containing sugars, including formula or breastmilk, you put them at the risk of having tooth decay.

Sealants

Sealing your child first and second molars may help prevent fissures and pits from harbouring bacteria that causes cavities. The dentists usually roughen the surface of the fissures and pits and place a thin layer of sealant to protect the tooth. Sealants do not stop cavities, but they do prevent one from forming.

Mind the amount of toothpaste

Your child can get overly excited about the full tube of toothpaste. But, if your child ages from 3 to 6 he only needs a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. If your child is below three years, then they only need a very small amount of toothpaste on their brush.

Add some flavour to the toothpaste

Mint flavoured toothpaste cannot always be appealing to your child. Ensure that you purchase a milder flavoured toothpaste for your child which does not cause a tingling or burning sensation.

Do it together

You will never outgrow a shiny white smile. Always brush your teeth alongside your little one as you get ready for your day. Showing your child how important teeth brushing is important to you will give them the idea of important it is to them. Also, brushing alongside your child will give you the opportunity of examining any dental issues before they get out of hand.

Proper nutrition

Proper nutrition for your child contributes a lot to dental health than you may think. Substitute vegetables and fruits for healthy snacks over cakes, candy or chips is key for building healthy teeth and strong bones.

Have fun

Make teeth brushing for your child a fun activity to engage in. Allow them to pick a fun shaped toothbrush or one that has his favourite cartoon character on it; this will always make them excited about brushing their teeth. You can also turn up their favourite music and let them listen as they brush. Plus, if that music is at least two minutes long, it will help them hit the recommended amount of time for brushing set by dentists.

Check your water

Ensure the water supply in your home is fluoridated. In case it is not, discuss with your dentist on the supplement options you can take.

The best way to establish proper dental care habits for your child is set a good example. Children watch their parents and imitate everything they do. Eat the right food and avoid acidic and sugary foods and drinks. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Make sure that you visit the dentist at least twice a year. Make sure you carry out these good dental hygiene behaviour along with your child. If you live in Carrum Downs, Carrum Downs Dental Group has the best paediatric dentist. Visit us,and we will answer any concerns you may have about your child’s teeth.

• Rinse teeth with water after meals

Do not brush your child’s teeth till they start feeding on solid foods. You can basically rinse their mouth and wipe their teeth with some water after meals to clean out food remains which causes tooth decay. As soon as your child’s teeth begin to erupt, you can now begin to usea small toothbrush with soft bristles, even though you are not really brushing them. This will teach your children about healthy brushing techniques for the future.

• Teach your child healthy eating habits

Healthy eating habits are essential for your children’s dental health. Most of the teeth cavities in baby teeth result from poor feeding habits during their very young ages. Letting your child sleep with a bottle may result in early oral health problems. Immediately your child is done feeding; you should take the bottle away from him to avoid prolonged exposure of teeth to fluids containing sugars.

• Amount of Toothpaste

When you child reaches the age of 3, you may begin introducing them to oral hygiene by giving them small amounts of fluoride toothpaste. This will help in preventing dental cavities. In case the taste of toothpaste is unpleasant to your child, you can find a different flavour that they may prefer. Also, it is recommended to try and discourage your child from swallowing the toothpaste.Although at such an age it can be challenging for them to rinse their mouth and spit properly. Swallowing excessive fluoride toothpaste may result in brown or white stains on your child’s permanent teeth.

• Brushing Motion

Obviously, you’ve heard all kinds of stories on the best motions and techniques of brushing teeth. The fact is that the techniques and motions do not really matter. The most important thing is to carefully brush each tooth, in and out, top and bottom. In most cases, this is where your child will start resisting, and you’ll probably pay more attention to the front teeth that the child sees. Turning teeth brushing into a game may really help so that you engage your child more.

• Dental Check-ups

During the child’s regular check-ups, the paediatrician will examine the teeth and gums of your child to make sure they are healthy. If the dentist notices any oral issues, he/she may recommend you take your child to a paediatric dentist or a general dentist who has an interest in treating dental needs of kids.

Conclusion

Visit Carrum Downs Dental Clinic for all your child’s dental need. We have paediatric dentists that are specialised in early dental treatment to offer your children with the best dental care in a safe environment. Your children’s dental health begins at home and continues in our dental office. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

When should the first visit take place?
And what happens?

If the child suffers from any oral deformities like a cleft lip or from an injury, the visit may be scheduled earlier than for others. However, if the child does not suffer from any visible oral problems, dental experts recommend that the visit should take place six months after the first tooth sets in that is around the age of one. This is to check on any abnormalities that may arise from the prolonged use of the bottle, tooth decay, and any possible issues with their oral tissues. The professionals may also check on the child’s bite. The first visit is mostly meant to familiarise the child with the dentist’s office and some of the tools used. The parent is also briefed on how to care for the oral health of the child. Some of the areas dentists educate parents on include, teething, hygiene practises that prevent cavities, and a child’s oral habits like thumb sucking. Nutrition is also discussed to help the child grow strong, healthy teeth. Dentists recommend checkups every six months after that.

When to go for the first dental X-ray

Most children have their first x-rays around the age of 4-6 years when their adult teeth start to grow after their milk teeth start falling off. The X-rays are meant to identify areas with potential problems, for instance, if the teeth are growing in place or cavity complications have set in.

Recommended age for the first visit to the orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone further training and specialises in the diagnosis and correction of teeth and jaws that are out of place. They also work towards the prevention of the occurrence of misplaced jaws and teeth. A parent may make this trip when the child is in their early teenage years; from around 12 when all their permanent teeth have set in, but dentists recommend the first visit to be as early as around the age of seven. The orthodontic evaluation will not only tell if the child needs to have their teeth aligned but also show if there is a need to correct the child’s jawline. The orthodontist may recommend the use of bands, brackets, wires, headgear, rubber bands, or retainers. Braces are still used the most in teeth alignment. They are made from different materials like stainless steel, ceramic, plastic, or alloys like copper with titanium or nickel-titanium which last longer and need less adjustment compared to stainless steel wires.