Children

 

The majority of children have some form of gingivitis,

the mildest form of periodontal disease, as a result of

inadequate oral hygiene.

Motivating children to practice good oral hygiene can be

very challenging. However, those that do are much more

likely to continue these good cleaning techniques into

adulthood and prevent future problems.

 

 

Advice for Parents

 

Practice good oral hygiene

 

From the age of 7 to 8, encourage your children to gently brush their own teeth twice

daily for 2 minutes. Before this age, it is advisable to brush their teeth yourself once a

day to ensure they are cleaned properly.

 

Use a brushing timer to help them recognise how long to brush for.

 

Use an appropriate children's toothbrush with a small head so they are able to

easily reach around their mouth.

Always brush with a soft toothbrush to avoid damaging the gums.

 

Children often miss the same places over again so use disclosing tablets to

visually demonstrate the areas missed.

 

Once children have their permanent teeth they should floss between them.

Brushing and using mouthwash cannot compensate for flossing.

Without flossing two surfaces of the teeth remain unclean.

A sticker on the mirror above the sink is a good reminder that flossing should

be a part of the oral hygiene routine.

 

Visit your dentist

 

Schedule examinations regularly every 6 months. This is important during development as your dentist can

catch any problems early, review the need for orthodontics and refer if necessary, carry out cleaning and

give advice.

 

Set a good example

 

Practice these oral hygiene techniques yourself to set a good example for your children.

 

Many people assume that poor teeth run in families due to “bad genes”.  However, it’s much more likely

due to the bad habits passed on from parents to children.

 

Check your child’s mouth

 

Check for signs of periodontal disease. These are red, swollen gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, and

receding gums.