Clarmain Dental Centre - Services - Hygiene

Children are a precious possession.
An early start in regular dental care
is an important step on the road
to total health.

First, or "baby", teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. But that doesn't mean they are any less important. During the critical early years of life, your child needs his or her first teeth to eat and to learn to speak properly. Healthy teeth are important to appearance and that's important for developing a good self image. The future health of your child's permanent teeth depends on care and habits you establish for first teeth.

Parent sitting on a chair or
both positioned on the floor

squirm

Position for a squirming child

Good view for the parent
and relaxing for the child

Preventative HYGIENE
for CHILDREN

Brushing and Flossing your child's first teeth

THE FIRST VISIT
Its important for the first visit to be a positive experience for your child.
Don't build it up into a big deal, but don't spring it on him or her either. Let the pace be relaxed and unhurried. Show your child that a visit to the dentist is normal, interesting and pleasant. You may want to read a book about going to the dentist with your child or "play dentist".

Little Teeth You know your child and are therefore the best judge of how to get him or her ready for the first visit. An anxious parent can transfer anxiety to the child. If you yourself feel uneasy about going to the dentist, try hard not to let your child know. In general, be positive and matter-of-fact about it.

HOW MANY TEETH?
Counting teeth is a fun way to get your child interested in his or her own dental development.
Let your child guess how many teeth he or she has and how many you have. Both of you can try counting your teeth with your tongue and then checking in a mirror.

FLOSSING
Daily flossing is vital because it cleans where the toothbrush can't - between teeth and below the gumline.
Here's how. Cut off about 18inches (45cm) of floss. Wind most of it around the middle finger of one hand, the rest around the middle finger of the other, leaving about 4 inches (10 cm) in the middle.

Hold the floss firmly and insert it gently between the teeth. Never snap the floss into the gums by pushing too hard to get the floss between the teeth. Be gentle and take the time necessary to do a proper job.

To slide below the gumline, curve it into a "C and slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance. Glide it up and down against the tooth. To remove the floss, let go of one end and raw the floss through. Repeat on each tooth. Children may find using a loop easier. Take about 12 inches (30 cm) of floss and knot into a circle or loop.

Brushing Your Child's Teeth
Age 2 - 5

Starting at about age two, your child may squirm during brushing.
Have the child stand in front of you, facing away. This lets you control the "squirms" and use a natural brushing action.

Use a child-sized toothbrush and about a quarter of an inch (half a centimetre) of toothpaste.

Brushing doesn't reach between teeth or below the gumline.
As soon as you can, at least after the age of three, floss child's teeth once a day.

At some point, your child will want to imitate you and brush his or her own teeth. Be encouraging and patient, but look at the teeth to make sure the child is capable of doing a good job. Until then, explain that you still want to help. Suggest that the child start and you finish.

You may be tempted to continue doing the brushing yourself because it's easier, but your child has to learn to do it. Shift the responsibility gradually.

Depending on your child's ability, he or she may wish to brush alone as early as age 2. However, you will want to supervise and help until you're convinced he or she can handle it (up to age 6).

Flossing takes even more co-ordination, and you will probably have to continue to floss until the child is about 8 or 9.

Age 5 - 9
By about 6 or 7, your child should physically be able to do a competent job of brushing.
It is important to do it properly and thoroughly. Children at this age often don't brush far enough back in the mouth to clean the new "6-year" molars. You'll need to check periodically that sloppy habits haven't crept in.

bear

This is the time to concentrate on teaching flossing. It is not easy to master, but well worth it.

This is also the time when you lose some control over your child's snacking. Impress upon your child the importance of avoiding sugary snacks when he or she can't brush afterwards.

Are there any foods that are necessary or especially good for dental health?
Calcium is necessary to healthy teeth and bones. Children up to age 3 need 500 mg of calcium a day. From age 4 to 6, they need 600 mg of calcium and from 7 to 9, they need 700 mg of calcium.

Dairy products (milk, cheese and yogurt) ore the best sources of calcium. One cup (225 ml) of whole, skim, 2%, buttermilk or chocolate milk contains 300 mg of calcium. There are other good, nutritious sources such as sardines, tofu, mustard greens, beans (such as kidney, lima and soy) and broccoli, but these do not contain as much calcium.

Cheddar cheese eaten immediately after sugary foods counteracts some of the negative effects of the sugar. Celery and apples ore sometimes called "detergent" foods because they con help clean your teeth.

Is it essential to brush right before bed?
Yes. If you have to miss a brushing, the bedtime one is probably the worst one to miss. If you don't get rid of the bacteria and sugar that cause cavities, they have all night to do their dirty work.
moon

When your child is awake, saliva helps keep the mouth clean. But a sleeping child produces less saliva. Try hard to get the bedtime brushing in. It's important for dental health and for instilling good habits. If it's simply impossible, brush carefully after supper and have your child rinse with plain water before bed.