Caring for kids’ and babies’ smiles

Whether your child has “grown-up teeth”, “baby teeth” or no teeth, there are important oral hygiene considerations …

Teething to six months

Soothe sore gums by rubbing with a cold spoon or teething ring, or massaging with a clean finger or cloth.
Teething gels and gum gels, such as Bonjela, are recommended for treating sore gums.
Teething biscuits can contain sugar, and may contribute to tooth decay.
Do not “sweeten” a teething ring or pacifier by applying sugary food or drink.

Feeding

Water should be given after milk, juice and sweetened food and drink to rinse acids and sugars from the mouth.
Fill bedtime or comfort bottles with water only—acidic or sugary drinks can cause “nursing bottle cavities”.
Once your child is able to drink from a cup, avoid bottle feeding. Drinking from a cup is more tooth-friendly than from a bottle.

Diet

Limit sweet foods as “first solids”.
Encourage a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Limit sugary processed foods—offer raw vegetables.
Limit frequency of snacks—sugar eaten with meals causes less cavities than sugar in snacks.
Eat sweet foods at one time of day only—do not spread throughout the day. Encourage brushing after.
Avoid foods that last in the mouth, such as hard lollies and mints, which give plaque bacteria more opportunity to cause cavities.
Limit starchy foods and sugar/starch combinations (biscuits, cakes, fast foods)—starch is as harmful to the teeth as sugar, and sugar/starch combinations are more cariogenic than sugars alone.
When serving juice or Ribena, dilute well with water—these are as harmful to the teeth as softdrink.
Do not allow children to snack or sip all day.
At 12 months and over, lift the lip regularly! Check the teeth monthly for early signs of decay—snow-white or yellow-brown marks along the gum line.

Brushing

Prior to teething, wipe the gums with a soft, clean cloth or gauze to remove plaque bacteria.
After teeth erupt, brush with a child’s toothbrush—without toothpaste—twice daily, especially before bed.
Be a good role model—children learn by imitation.
Help your child learn to brush—use a smear of low-fluoride toothpaste, explaining that it must not be swallowed.
Encourage your child to hold the toothbrush like a pencil.
Stand behind your child when helping with brushing—it’s easier and your child will find it less intimidating.
Encourage your child to simply spit out the excess foam, rather than rinsing.
Supervise brushing until around the age of nine.

Flossing

Any teeth that touch should be flossed.
We suggest flossing at bedtime. Combine it with a good story and your child will enjoy the process.
Have your child practise with Flossettes or Flosspiks.

Fluoride

As Australia’s water supply is typically fluoridated, it is generally not necessary to give fluoride drops or tablets to your child. However, water filters may remove fluoride from tap water—check the manufacturer’s specifications. Consult your dentist if you use a water filter or have a non-fluoridated water supply.
A children’s low-fluoride toothpaste is still recommended.

Visiting the dentist

Encourage a positive attitude towards visits to the dentist—introduce them to the Sparkle Squad!
Starting dental visits from the age of three will enable us to identify any potential dental problems early. It will also start your child on a personal dental hygiene plan that will help to ensure healthy teeth and gums for life.
Talk to your dentist prior to your child’s teething to discuss special diet considerations.

See also …