Dental experts share tips for Children’s Dental Health Month
Dental experts have shared top tips to help promote healthy smiles this February.
As part of the annual Children’s Dental Health Month campaign, professionals are offering advice to children, parents and carers. Tooth decay is the most common reason children in the UK require hospital treatment, despite the fact that most cases are preventable. Good oral hygiene, healthy eating and frequent dental checks can help to lower risks and keep the teeth and gums in check.
One of the most common problems parents face is trying to get their children to clean their teeth twice a day. Many parents have a battle with their kids in the mornings and evenings. To encourage brushing, dental experts recommend trying to make teeth cleaning fun. Using brightly-coloured brushes, brushing along to a song and making up games can all be beneficial. Parents can also brush at the same time as their children and look for flavoured toothpastes when buying oral hygiene products.
Dental professionals encourage regular routine visits from the age of 12 months. Children should attend check-ups every 6 months. Going to the dentist can be scary but it can also be fun. Parents are advised to try to avoid putting any fears they have onto their children. Reading books about going to the dentist and making the experience relaxing and enjoyable by playing with toys and listening to music can help to keep anxiety at bay.
Diet plays a crucial role in oral health. Many children experience dental decay due to their diets. Studies show that most children consume too much sugar. Dental professionals recommend reading food product labels and checking ingredients before buying. It’s also beneficial to opt for whole fruits and natural products rather than shop-bought smoothies and juices and to wait 30-45 minutes after eating to brush the teeth. This lowers the risk of enamel wear.
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