Did you know that 40% of Australian kids aged 5 to 10 years old have cavities? And that’s just the ones who have seen a dentist! The number of kids with cavities is likely much higher, as many parents don’t take their kids to the dentist until they start to experience pain.
Dental health is an important part of overall health, and it’s important to start teaching kids about taking care of their teeth at an early age. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of dental health, how you can keep your children’s teeth healthy, what to do if your kid gets a cavity, and some fun activities to promote dental health at home.
The Importance of Dental Health
Dental health is important for several reasons. First, it’s essential for speaking and eating. If your child has cavities or other dental problems, they may have trouble speaking clearly or chewing properly. Chewing problems are particularly dangerous because they can lead to malnutrition.
Second, dental health is linked to overall health. Studies have shown that there is a connection between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health conditions. Therefore, it’s important to take care of your child’s teeth to help them avoid these serious health problems later in life.
Third, dental health can affect a child’s self-esteem and confidence. If a child is embarrassed about their teeth, they may be less likely to smile and interact with others. This can lead to social anxiety and difficulties in personal, academic, and professional endeavours as your child grows up.
Finally, dental health is important because it’s expensive to fix dental problems. Cavities, for example, can be very costly to fill. And if a child needs more serious dental work, such as a root canal or braces, the costs can be even higher. By taking care of your child’s teeth now, you can avoid these costly dental bills in the future.
How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy
There are several things you can do to keep your kid’s teeth healthy. First, you should take them to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This is important so that any problems can be caught early and treated before they become more serious.
Second, you should help your child brush their teeth properly. Be sure they use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and help them brush for two minutes, twice a day. You should also help them floss their teeth every day.
Third, you should limit sugary drinks and snacks. Too much sugar can lead to cavities, so it’s important to limit your child’s intake of candy, juices, and other sweetened beverages. Instead, it’s important to focus on a vitamin D-rich diet, which is important for healthy bones and teeth. Check out if you’re getting enough vitamin D here.
Finally, you should teach your child to avoid tobacco products. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause a number of dental problems, including gum disease, tooth loss, and mouth cancer.
In case your child has already developed tartar or plaque, there are special toothpastes and mouthwashes that can help remove these substances. According to Putney Dental, baking soda can also be used to remove tartar.
Unfortunately though, plaque commonly leads to cavities. So let’s discuss what you should do if your child gets one.
What to Do When Your Child Gets a Cavity
If your child has a cavity, it’s important to have it filled as soon as possible. This will help prevent the cavity from getting worse and causing more serious problems.
At-home treatments, such as using baking soda or special toothpastes, can help remove tartar and plaque. But if your child has a cavity, they will need to see a dentist so that it can be filled.
The dentist will clean out the cavity and then fill it with a special material. There are several different types of materials that can be used, but the most common is amalgam, which is made up of silver, mercury, and other metals.
After the cavity is filled, it’s important to take care of your child’s teeth so that the cavity doesn’t come back.
Keep in mind that not all cavities can be treated with a simple filling. In some cases, a child may need a crown, root canal, or other more serious dental procedure.
Fun Activities That Promote Dental Health
In addition to regular dental checkups, there are several fun activities that you can do to promote dental health at home. Here are a few ideas:
- Make homemade toothpaste. This is a fun activity that allows your child to be creative and make their own toothpaste.
- Visit a child-friendly dentist. This may not sound like fun, but it’s important for your child to see the dentist so that they can get their teeth checked and cleaned. Many dentists have fun activities for kids, such as colouring books and stickers, and it’s a good idea to spend some time looking for such a dentist.
- Brush your teeth together. This is a great way to bond with your child and teach them the importance of brushing their teeth.
- Have a “Dental Health Day”. This is a day where you focus on dental health activities, such as brushing your teeth, learning how to floss properly, and educating your child on the importance of dental health.
To Wrap Up
Dental health is important for several reasons. It’s linked to overall health, can affect a child’s self-esteem and confidence, and is expensive to fix if problems arise.
To keep your kid’s teeth healthy, take them to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, help them brush their teeth properly, limit sugary drinks and snacks, and teach them to avoid tobacco products. For more information on maintaining your child’s oral health, check out our useful guide here.