Children and Oral Care

Why do we need to brush a baby’s teeth?

Even though children do not tend to eat the variety of foods that adults eat, bacteria still occupies the oral cavity. The byproduct of these bacteria is acid, which is what attacks and destroys our tooth surface leading to a filling.

If your child does not like brushing, just be persistent and patient while continuing to give proper care. Don’t be too rough. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and food. With time they will appreciate the gentle attention. So, how do we brush?

First of all, it takes two to three minutes to properly brush your teeth but most people do not get anywhere close to that amount of time.

Teach your child to brush

• Brush twice a day – after breakfast and before bedtime. If they can, additional brushing such as a brush after lunch or after any sweet snacks.
• Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Use a low fluoride toothpaste for young children under 6 years of age.

Get your child to gently brush the inner surface of their teeth using short circular motions. Then using the same motion, move to the outer surface and then the biting surface on top.

Use the tip of the brush to clean behind each front tooth – both top and bottom (particularly the inner surface of the bottom teeth).

Be gentle! It takes only a small force to remove bacteria and food and being too rough can harm the gums. Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste after brushing.

Habits that affect dental development - Thumb Sucking

Sucking is a natural reflex for infants. It makes them feel safe and happy and provide a sense of security. And since it is relaxing, it can help induce sleep. Most children stop thumb sucking and dummies at two to four years of age. But the problem exists when dummies or thumb sucking persist beyond the first few years. If your child continues to use their thumb or dummies beyond age four, they can develop misaligned teeth, malformed jaws, and potential speech defects (due to lack of lip seal). The frequency, duration, and intensity will determine whether or not problems will form.

• Praise and reward them when they are not sucking.
• Children often suck when insecure. Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety (sleep environment?), instead of the thumb sucking.
• Wait until the time is right.
• Dental appliances can be made to assist in breaking the habit.
• During your dental visit, we can encourage the child to stop sucking and explain what could happen if they continue.

Prevention of dental issues in children - Regular Check-ups

Visiting the dentist for a regular check-up can be easily forgotten or postponed but is vital in maintaining good oral health.

Prevention and early treatment prevents larger issues. Children who have regular examination and checks tend to have fewer dental related problems, and required treatment tends to be simpler, which means happier children and parents.

If your child hasn’t seen a dentist in over twelve months – book them in for a check-up and clean and polish.

Fluoride Application

Fluoride helps make teeth strong and prevent tooth decay.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and protects against decay.

In Australia, most capital cities have optimal amounts of fluoride added to tap water. Studies have positively demonstrated over long periods of time the benefit to teeth of having fluoride in water. (Evans RW, Hsiau AC, Dennison PJ, Patterson A, Jalaludin B.)

Water fluoridation in the Blue Mountains reduces risk of dental decay. (Aust Dent J. 2009 Dec;54(4):368-73.)(Arora, A., Evans, R. Dental caries in children: a comparison of one non-fluoridated and two fluoridated communities in NSW. New South Wales Public Health Bulletin.2010; 21:257-262. [Abstract])

It is important to note that many children are now drinking bottled water, which most do not contain fluoride. While some bottled water naturally contains fluoride, it is usually not enough to offer sufficient protection. Some home water filters also remove fluoride from tap water.

The choice of toothpaste is also important for children. Make sure you choose low fluoride toothpastes specifically for children. Too much fluoride during tooth development can cause mild white marks or mottling of permanent teeth (enamel fluorosis). There are other causes of discolored or malformed enamel such as childhood malnutrition, chronic illness, trauma, long term use of some medications or radiation therapy.

To prevent dental fluorosis

Choose a low-fluoride child toothpaste for children younger than six years.

• Apply a pea-sized amount to the toothbrush
• Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
• Store all toothpastes out of your child’s reach.

If your children do have white spots or mottled enamels, please consult us as many current techniques can lessen or completely remove the unsightly discolourations.