Ensuring good oral hygiene for children is crucial for their health and wellbeing. While brushing is a fundamental part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, there are several additional steps that parents in Teddington can take to enhance their children's oral care routine. This article explores five essential practices beyond basic brushing.
Did you know that children are entitled to free NHS dental care at Church Road Dental Care Centre? Enquire today about our children’s services.
1. Using Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps prevent cavities by making tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks - usually from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth.
While most toothpastes contain fluoride. We recommend using toothpaste of strength 1000ppm fluoride from 0-2 years, and 1450ppm thereafter. It’s important that children brush for a minimum of 2 minutes, and are assisted with brushing up to age 7. To get the modst out of your toothpaste we recommend the “spit don’t rinse” technique. You should not rinse with water after brushing, but just spit out any excess, letting the toothpaste work for much longer.
Additional fluoride application at dental examinations can also be beneficial, especially for children who are at higher risk of tooth decay.
Parents in Teddington can consult with Church Road Dental Care Centre about fluoride varnishes that can be applied during routine dental visits. These treatments are effective in strengthening teeth and provide an extra layer of protection against cavities.
2. Incorporating Mouthwash
Mouthwash is often overlooked in children's oral care routines, but it can play a significant role in maintaining oral health of children age 7 years or older. We don’t recommend using mouthwashes after brushing as we advise the “spit don’t rinse” technique. However we do recommend mouthwashes before brushing or after school as an additional dose of fluoride. Mouthwash can reduce the amount of acid in the mouth and re-mineralise teeth.
For children, it is important to choose a mouthwash that is alcohol-free and specifically formulated for young users. Make sure you supervise mouthwash use to ensure children use the correct amount and do not swallow the product. Chat to our Teddington dentists about what products are best suited to your child
3. Encouraging Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention of oral health issues. Our Teddington dentists can identify problems such as cavities, misaligned teeth, or gum disease early on, making treatment more straightforward and less invasive. Scheduling regular appointments, at least twice a year, ensures that any potential issues are caught early, and professional cleaning with a hygienist can be offered if needed, to maintain optimal oral hygiene.
4. The Importance of a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is fundamental to maintaining good oral health. Foods high in sugar and starch can contribute to tooth decay, while a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports strong teeth and gums.
In Teddington, there is a variety of fresh produce and healthy food options to choose from. Encouraging children to drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and limit sugary snacks and beverages can make a significant difference in their oral health and overall wellbeing.
Our Teddington dentists always recommend to parents that going beyond basic brushing is essential to ensure children maintain excellent oral hygiene. Adopting the practices above not only improves oral health but also instils lifelong habits that contribute to overall wellbeing.
If you would like to learn more about the NHS children’s services on offer at Church Road Dental Care Centre, get in touch with our team.
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