Good teeth aren’t only essential for a beautiful smile but also chewing well and speaking clearly. Besides, experts have long linked bad oral health with a host of chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis in later life. So, there’s no time like now to focus on your child’s pearly whites.
Getting a child to be independent with dental hygiene is no easy matter. But parents who educate themselves on tooth-brushing basics can offer better help along the way.
MumCentre spoke to Raffles Hospital’s Consultant Prosthodontist, Dr Adrian Yap, on the issues parents usually face regarding their children’s teeth.
When will my child be ready to brush his/ her own teeth?
You can start between the ages three and four. “Even when your child can brush his/her own teeth, adult supervision is still recommended to ensure that your child practices the proper technique,” Dr Yap advises. Many parents allow their kids to brush on their own while keeping a watchful eye from behind. Or take turns. Allow your child to brush in the morning and then do it for him/ her at night.
How do I make brushing fun?
You can encourage brushing by buying colourful Barbie-, Pooh- or superhero-themed brushes. Or even making up songs about teeth and brushing. But the best way, many dentists agree, is to teach your child to model what you do. Says Dr Yap, “Make tooth brushing a family activity to make it fun for your child.” Children are creatures of example after all. They will love to imitate what Mummy, Daddy or Big Sis do. Once your child gets the hang of circular, to-and-fro and up-and-down brushing movements, you can gradually allow him/ her to brush on his own.
For how many minutes should my child brush his/ her teeth?
“For about two minutes,” says Dr Yap, “and duration may not be as important as technique. The proper technique of tooth-brushing must be taught to your child.”
What is the proper way to brush teeth?
Always brush using short, gentle strokes, paying special attention to the gum line and the harder-to-reach back areas. Dr Yap advises to concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:
• First, the outer surfaces of upper teeth then lower teeth.
• Second, inner surfaces of upper teeth then lower teeth.
• Finally, brush the chewing surfaces.
When is a child old enough to use fluoride-based toothpaste?
“Only when he/she can use the paste without swallowing it,” explains Dr Yap. Most children learn to spit out toothpaste by about age three. Prior to that, parents can clean their children’s teeth using a soft washcloth or soft-bristled toothbrush with either water or a non-fluoride paste. Use only a pea-sized amount of paste and always ensure that your child does not swallow the excess.
How do I lessen my child’s fear about shaking/ falling milk teeth?
A child’s permanent teeth will begin erupting when he/ she is five or six years of age. “A good way to prevent fears,” says Dr Yap “is to share your own experiences or that of other children with your child.” The story of the Tooth Fairy has worked wonders for many children so don’t be afraid to improvise, albeit logically.
When should my child begin flossing?
“Flossing may not be absolutely necessary for a young child but it is advisable for older children,” says Dr Yap. “A good time to start,” he adds “is when the permanent front teeth are out.” Consult your dentist if you want to begin flossing earlier, especially since back milk teeth tend to be more prone to tooth decay.
How can I help my child to prevent tooth decay?
Sugary foods and sweetened drinks are key causes of tooth decay in young children. So do pay closer attention to what your child eats. Your child’s dentist can also identify early signs of decay. Dr Yap sums up tooth decay prevention with these steps:
• Observe a tooth-friendly diet.
• Brush regularly and properly.
• Visit your dentist regularly.
• Ask your dentist about using topical fluoride.
Your dentist may also suggest using a dental sealant. The sealant prevents tooth decay by sealing fissures in permanent back teeth.
What should I do if my child falls and chips or knocks out a permanent tooth?
In an ideal world, all kids wear mouth-guards and bubble wrap before engaging in rough play. But that doesn’t happen. Luckily, chipping or knocking out a permanent tooth can be resolved if addressed immediately. Dr Yap advises, “Do bring your child to see a dentist straight away. If the tooth is knocked out, immediate replacement is the treatment of choice. Store the tooth in saliva or milk on your way to the dentist.”
You can prevent such accidents in the earlier years by thoroughly baby-proofing your home.
When should I start bringing my child for dentist visits?
“The younger the better,” says Dr Yap. If you have a phobia for dental clinics yourself, don’t let your child sense it. Make the trip as fun as possible for the child. “Watching other members of the family receiving treatment would be a good start,” advises Dr Yap. So do grin and bear it for your child’s sake! After the initial visit, bring your child to the dentist at least twice yearly.
When it comes to dental hygiene, setting a good example is important. So being disciplined about your own oral care is the best help you can give your child.
The Tooth Timetable: What Happens When
• First teeth (usually the front four): between five and 12 months.
• First dental visit: by a child’s first birthday.
• Complete set of 20 primary teeth: by the third birthday.
• Self-brushing with parental supervision: by the fourth birthday.
• Continued parental supervision: at least till your child turns eight.
• Set of 28 permanent teeth: from age five to 12 or 13.
• Begin flossing: at least by age 10.
• Wisdom teeth: around age 16.
