Author: Hannah Scott, RDN
Introduction:
Did you know that 25% of children aged 5 have tooth decay? Tooth decay is caused by germs in your mouth producing acid that breaks down the tooth surface over time. In early childhood, establishing good oral hygiene routines and fostering a healthy relationship with teeth is essential for preventing dental issues and keeping smiles bright and healthy!
Here are some helpful actions you can take to protect your child’s teeth and promote their long-term oral health.
Brushing Tips:
- Brush twice daily (morning and evening) for two minutes each time. Remember to spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse, as rinsing removes the fluoride from the teeth.
- Age-specific advice:
- Children aged 0–3 should use a smear of toothpaste containing 1000 ppm of fluoride.
- Children aged 3 and above should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing 1450 ppm of fluoride.
- Until your child is 7 years old or able to tie their own shoelaces, make sure an adult helps with brushing to ensure no spots are missed. Even if they want to brush independently, parents should check afterwards.
Diet Tips:
- Reduce sugary/acidic snacks to mealtimes only. Your child’s teeth can handle up to three sugar hits per day. While occasional treats are fine, try to keep them to dessert time at the end of a meal.
- Great snacks for between meals include:
- Breadsticks
- Cheese
- Cucumber
- Carrot sticks
- Fruit (as long as it’s not blended or juiced)
- Plain yoghurt
Beware of “hidden sugar”:
- Some snacks advertised as healthy can actually contain a lot of sugar. For example, raisins and flavoured yoghurts are often very sugary and sticky, making them less tooth-friendly. Keep these to mealtimes.
- Smoothies should be treated like dessert because blending fruits releases their natural sugars, making them high in sugar. Pre-made smoothies may also contain added sugars and honey. Always check labels carefully.
Drinks:
- Stick to plain water or plain milk between meals and at night. Avoid cordials and squash—even those with “no added sugar”—as they contain naturally occurring sugars similar to smoothies.
Visiting the Dentist:
Regular dental visits help foster a positive relationship between your child and the dentist. A dentist will monitor your child’s oral health, catch any issues early, and offer valuable guidance.
- When to visit:
- See your dentist as often as recommended.
- Children should visit a dentist as soon as their first teeth emerge and before their first birthday.
Regular check-ups mean fewer tears and fears.
