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Caring for your child's teeth

Teach your child good dental habits from an early age and they will be set for life. As soon as your baby's teeth start to push through, they should be brushed regularly.

Babies need special brushes that are soft and easy to grip. Make sure you use fluoride toothpaste, only a smear is needed for a baby or a toddler up to 3, a pea sized amount when your child is between 3 and 6 and slightly more for 7 year olds and over.

Don't put off a visit to the dentist because there's nothing wrong - ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the proper way to brush your baby's teeth. It's also good to get your child used to visiting the dentist from an early age.

Discourage your child from sucking a thumb or a dummy for too long - it can affect the way the teeth develop. The pressure of the thumb or dummy against the back of the teeth can push them forward causing them to need corrective treatment at a later stage.

Wean them off the dummy as gently as you can, and never dip the dummy in something like sugar or fruit juice.

Sweets and chocolates

One of the best things you can do for your child is to discourage sweets and chocolates, keep such treats for special occasions only. Once your child starts going to school, pack their lunch box with fresh fruit and salad or sandwiches and don't allow them to get into the habit of eating sugary foods.

If they begin to play a contact sport at school, make sure that they are wearing the correct mouth guard. Get your dentist to fit a mouth guard rather than buying one off the shelf, it will offer better protection because it's designed exclusively for your child's mouth.

And remember, children learn by example, so following good dental habits yourself is one of the best things you can do for your child! A dental insurance policy for your child will also help you be ready for the unexpected.

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