- By 1300SMILES Densits
- August 31, 2020
Taking care of tiny teeth so important for a child’s oral development!
And it’s so simple, by following these steps you will ensure your little one has the best oral development possible.
Top tips for tiny teeth:
- Get started early
- Brushing routine
- Cut the junk
- Check for Decay
Get started early:
It is a common misconception that your child’s oral health journey begins as soon as the first tooth appears, but the truth is it starts immediately!
Before you even see that first tooth come through it is important to introduce your toddler to the humble toothbrush. You can pick up from your local supermarket or chemist age appropriate toothbrushes for your little one to hold and get familiar with, this way they will become familiar with it by the time they have to start brushing!
When it comes to the first dental visit is a common rule of thumb to wait until that first tooth emerges which usually happens around the 12-month mark. However, if you notice anything abnormal or that just doesn’t look right don’t hesitate to call!
Brushing routine:
At your first dental visit, your dentist will discuss the importance of brushing and flossing your child’s teeth. Establishing a routine from an early age is essential for your child’s future oral health development.
Brushing routine is essential for maintaining those little teeth, by brushing twice a day you will minimise the chance of decay and cavities setting in. It is important to use the correct child’s toothbrush and make sure you are using the proper technique. Make sure you manoeuvre gently around the teeth and gums in a circular motion.
As you could guess brushing isn’t always the highlight of your child’s day so make it fun! Keep brushing interesting by buying a cool toothbrush and toothpaste and use an egg-timer to keep them engaged while brushing, even try creating your own tooth brushing song!
Cut the Junk:
Ask yourself this, if your child had to choose between veggies and sweets what would they choose?
Most likely it would be sweets right!
That is why it’s up to you limit your little one’s intake of highly processed goods like biscuits, lollies, chocolates and juices.
By cutting down on “junk†food and implementing a brushing and flossing routine you will reduce the chance of decay setting in on your little one’s teeth.     Â
Check for Decay:
Tooth decay is so common with little ones with over 27% of children aged 5-10 suffering from untreated tooth decay in 2020 (Australian Dental Association). If left decay can cause severe damage to your little one’s teeth and even lead to an extraction.
You can check your child’s teeth by lifting their lips and checking for white patches on the teeth, this may be an early sign of decay. If you notice grey, brown or black spots this indicates more serious decay; in either case, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible!
