Protecting Our Kids' Smiles

Although babies have healthy adult teeth waiting to take the place of their first teeth, their first teeth actually have an important role to play in their long-term oral health. If you're concerned about how you can take care of your baby's teeth from an early age, here are three ways to keep their teeth healthy.

Assisted Teeth Cleaning

Kids shouldn't be left to brush their teeth on their own until they're at least school age as they won't be able to thoroughly clean all of their teeth without some help. Once you've brushed your child's teeth, let them spend some time brushing with your supervision, which will allow them to develop a good brushing technique.

Some toddlers refuse to let their parents get into the back of their mouth with a toothbrush, but you don't have to just accept their back teeth won't be protected. Your dentist can coat your child's teeth with a protective varnish. The varnish has a high concentration of fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel.

Good Eating Habits

Your child needs healthy snacks to maintain their energy requirements, but it's better to give them snacks at a specific time of day rather than letting them graze throughout the day as it leads to tooth decay. Additionally, avoid giving your toddler anything other than water if they get up during the night.

Their saliva is alkaline, which creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria, but their mouth produces less saliva during sleep. This means your child won't receive the full protective benefit of their saliva when they wake up for a short period during the night and have something to eat or drink before going back to sleep.

Vitamin Supplements

Your child needs a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to keep their teeth strong. Weak teeth can crack or chip easily and this creates a breeding ground for decay-causing bacteria. If your child's eating a balanced diet, vitamin supplements aren't essential. However, if your child is a fussy eater or has a medical condition that limits their diet, discuss appropriate vitamin supplementation with their dentist or GP.

Regular dental check-ups will ultimately allow the dentist to spot any early signs of decay and address the problem before your child is at risk of losing a tooth. Ask a dentist through clinics like Belconnen Dental Centre for tips or assistance in ensuring your toddler's baby teeth are healthy.