It is important to educate children about oral health from a young age, starting with training them to brush properly and regularly. Brushing should be supervised until you are confident that they can safely do it on their own without the risk of swallowing toothpaste. In addition to oral hygiene instruction, children should learn the importance of taking care of their teeth and the consequences of not doing so.
Certain factors put children at risk for caries (cavities). These include:
To lower the risk of ECC, parents can minimize saliva-sharing activity and ensure that brushing happens twice a day – after breakfast and before bedtime.
When sugar and bacteria come together, plaque is formed. This substance is harmful to the teeth, which is why brushing is important for removing it regularly.
Technique: brush at a 45-degree angle, in the direction that teeth grow. Use fluoride toothpaste (rice-size/smear for children under two, pea-size for children 2-5 years) with the eruption of the first tooth. If flossing is difficult, a floss pick with a handle can be helpful.
This mineral occurs naturally in foods and water such as teas and grape juices. It is also available in products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. To ensure that you or your child are receiving a sufficient amount of fluoride, talk to your dentist about a fluoride treatment at Islands Pediatric Dentistry every six months. Our Policy is to recommend
It is natural for children to suck on their thumb or a pacifier when they are small, but if they are having trouble giving it up as they age, talk to your dentist about strategies for stopping their use as they could interfere with healthy teeth and mouth development.