Tips For School Going Children

Top 10 Tips for school children:

1. For consistent cleaning it is best to try to brush their teeth and gums at the same time every day. The first brushing should take place either before or after breakfast, and older children may also rinse their mouths with an alcohol free mouthwash. The second daily brushing should be last thing before bed, with no more snacks or drinks other than water after this.

2. Only use the recommended amount of toothpaste, and ensure all teeth and gums are cleaned thoroughly. Toothpaste should not be swallowed. Older children may use different sized inter-dental brushes to clean plaque from inaccessible areas.

3. We recommend that parents brush their young children’s teeth or help them brush their teeth until they are about six, monitoring their brushing until they are about ten. Toothbrushes should be changed every three months.

4. Ensure children eat a healthy diet and reduce their intake of high sugar content foods. What goes into your child’s packed lunch can be very important as they will not have a chance to clean their teeth until they get home from school. Keep snacks between meals to low-sugar or sugar-free foods such as cheese, fruit and nuts.

5. What your child drinks can have just as much effect on their teeth as what they eat. Milk and water are suitable drinks to quench their thirst, but be aware of high energy sports drinks as they have a very high sugar content.

6. Children should have visited our dentist by the time they are three years old. It’s easy to arrange a first appointment if they haven’t been yet.

7. Ensure their visit is a positive one. Children will often take their cue from parents when visiting our dentist. If older brothers and sisters are going to the dentist, bring their younger siblings along so they can see what’s going on, get to know the surroundings and maybe even get a go in the chair.

8. Children’s teeth are generally checked up to three times by the public health dentist during primary school. Try to ensure you make it to these appointments.

9. Children at high risk of decay may benefit from fissure sealants on back molar teeth as they come through, normally at about 6 and then again at 12 years of age

10. Ensure that your child has a mouthguard if contact sports such as football, rugby, hockey are being played at the school.