5 tips to keep your child’s dental health in check

Ensuring your children learn how to properly clean their teeth and booking regular dentist appointments is crucial to keeping painful cavities and gum disease at bay.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and it’s a great opportunity to share some dental hygiene tips to keep your child’s pearly whites healthy.

ALSO READ: Zini Art in the Shade dates announced for 2021 event

CEO of Affinity Health, Murray Hewlett said that, sadly, by the age of just five, many children have at least one untreated decayed tooth.

‘Cavities – also called caries – are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood and can cause pain and infections that may lead to your child suffering problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.’

While brushing is one of the best ways to stop cavities, it must be done correctly. According to dentists, the direction of brushing really doesn’t matter (up and down, back and forth, or around in circles).

What’s important is to clean each tooth thoroughly, top and bottom, inside and out – every single day.

‘Some parents depend on their children to brush their own teeth, but the truth is that a child cannot brush his teeth without help until they are about six to eight years old. So be sure to supervise or do the actual brushing if necessary,’ Hewlett said.

Five tips for looking after your child’s dental health:

* It’s recommended that you brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste – once in the morning and once in the evening – for two minutes each time.
* Once your child’s teeth are close enough together, you can start flossing them. This helps to get rid of any plaque or bacteria that may be harder to reach.
* Sugary foods and drinks can be awful for children’s teeth, and therefore switching to healthier snacks containing less sugar can give your child’s teeth a real boost.
* Instead of giving your child fruit juice, provide them with water instead. Drinking water can wash away any leftover sugar or food particles that are clinging to your child’s teeth, helping to keep them clean and healthy.
* Take your child for regular dental check-ups at least once a year. As part of your child’s check-up, the dentist will make sure all teeth are developing normally and that there are no dental problems and give you further advice on proper hygiene.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer