A recent survey conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals that “one in three Aussie kids do not brush their teeth twice a day and one in then have had one decayed teeth extracted before they turn nine years old.” More than half of Australian children have tooth decay. Tooth decay in children is on the rise in Australia, and it is essential than ever to teach your children to practice good oral hygiene habits.
Caring for children’s dental health is important
It is never too early to begin teaching oral hygiene to your children as the behaviours learned while they are young tend to stick with them throughout their life. It is essential to look after your child’s teeth from the moment they start teething. Oral health habits like regular dental visits and good oral hygiene developed in early childhood can lead to better overall health throughout a child’s life.
Dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay cause significant pain and hardship for many children in Australia, particularly those lacking access to care and preventive services. In fact, dental decay in baby teeth can damage the permanent teeth underneath. When a child loses a tooth due to cavities, it can cause crowing issues when their permanent teeth come through later.
Why early childhood dental visits are essential
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children and can have severe impacts on a child’ health and quality of life. Early dental visits help prevent cavities and tooth decay. If tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to serious conditions including Abscesses, emergency visits to hospitals, hospitalisations, Difficulty sleeping and eating, and speech development problems. If you haven’t visited your dentist Kellyville, ensure your child has her first dental visit by the time she turns two years of age. The paediatric dentist Kellyville will help your child’s teeth healthy by removing plaque and food debris that may be stuck in their teeth. Professional cleaning is essential as it helps prevent bacteria from continuing to grow which is the primary cause of other dental issues.
Moreover, an early dental visit will enable your child to be familiar with the sounds and smells of the dental environment in a positive way. Make dental visits a fun adventure that yields some tooth-friendly reward.
Tips for maintaining your child’ oral health
- Teach your child to brush their teeth twice a day. Their teeth should be cleaned after eating and before hitting the bed using toothpaste that is recommended by your Kellyville dentist. Brushing teeth twice a day prevent tooth decay.
- Help your child to brush their teeth from the time they get their first tooth until they are 9 years old. After that, supervising is essential.
- Replace toothbrushes every three months
- Diet plays a significant role in your children’s oral health. So, ensure they eat a healthy, balanced diet that consists of lots of proteins and vegetables. Avoid sugary foods such as biscuits and soft drinks as they are the leading cause of tooth decay in children.
- Take your child to Kellyville dental care twice a year.