Caring for toddlers can be a challenge. During a time of significant social, physical and emotional development in a little one’s life, dental health can be overlooked. Generally, by the age of two, most children will have their full set of baby, or deciduous, teeth. Although they will be replaced, these teeth play an essential role between the ages of 7-12. Not only do they provide the smiles that light up our hearts but also allow our children to eat and maintain room for adult teeth as they erupt into the mouth. Early loss of baby teeth can result in impaired jaw growth, dental crowding, malocclusion and contribute to malnutrition.
Young children determined individuals as they start to realise their independent selves. While a daily oral hygiene routine can be daunting experience, here are some simple tips to help develop positive lifelong habits.
- Beware of sugar! Sugar comes in many different forms but all can cause significant dental damage
- Limit the amount of sugar consumption. The World Health Organisation recommends that children under 18 should have less than 6 teaspoons of sugar a day. Adults should limit this to between 5-10 teaspoons a day
- Reduce the frequency of sugar consumption. Regular consumption of sugar allows a constant feed of sugar to decay-causing bacteria, increasing the risk of dental decay
- Soft drinks and fruit juices should be treated as an infrequent treat
Smile4U and the Australian Dental Association recommends that children be seen by a dentist from the age of 2. This helps to develop a positive relationship between your child and the dental health specialist with a focus of preventative e children’s dentistry. If you think it’s time to book in your toddler for their first check-up, call us now on 0342229984 or book now.