Proper preventative oral care ensures a healthy smile for years to come

We know that from the very first moment they are born we need to love, protect and nurture our children. As parents we want them to lead happy, healthy, and successful lives. Good oral health is also important for your child’s development, and we need to make it a priority from the start. Unfortunately, for many of us we don’t make oral hygiene a priority.

When parents neglect oral health and don’t encourage good brushing and flossing habits at home, problems can occur.

Common oral health problems in children:

• Cavities – Sugar and food particles that remain on the teeth surfaces, turn into plaque, then tartar and eat away at the tooth enamel. This creates a cavity. If left untreated, it can affect the inner layer of the tooth and become painful.
• Gingivitis – This is similar to cavities but in this case the plaque builds up along the gum line and the longer it sits there the more damage it does. If your child has gingivitis, they will experience bleeding and swollen gums.
• Bad breath – If your child has persistent bad breath, it could be a sign of something more serious and it is important to visit a dentist or health professional to determine the cause.
• Tooth enamel erosion – One of the main causes of enamel erosion is poor nutrition and consuming acidic food and drinks.
• Malocclusion (crowded or crooked teeth) – This can be caused by genetics, injury and children who suck their thumb or fingers after age 5 have a greater chance of developing malocclusion.
• Trauma to the mouth – As they learn to walk, run or ride a bike, children often fall or crash. Sometimes they will just get a minor scratch but at other times they could break or dislodge a tooth. It is important to know where to take your child for a dental emergency.

Parents can avoid or reduce oral health problems in their children through education and preventative care. Good oral hygiene practices such as wiping baby’s gums after feeds, brushing twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste, avoiding sugary snacks & drinks, and discouraging thumb-sucking and pacifier use can go a long way.