We all know the importance of brushing morning and night for good oral health but it is also important to keep to good oral habits throughout the day especially important for school age children. Recent studies have indicated that many school students miss an average of 2.5 days of school a year due to dental issues and appointments. Parents play an important role in preventing dental issues by encouraging healthy eating and oral hygiene habits.
Here are some simple every day tips that can help prevent dental related days off school:
Starting in the home, encourage thorough brushing in the morning after breakfast and limit sugary drinks such as juice. If fruit juice is consumed ensure it is followed by water to wash away the acidity and prevent enamel wear/ weakening. Ensure that the tooth paste used is a fluoridated toothpaste for added protection against decay. It is important to supervise brushing until children are 7 or 8 years old to ensure correct technique and length of time.
Throughout the day water should be the main drink children have. It is best to minimise all sweet drinks including soft drinks, fruit juice, cordials, sports drinks, tea drinks and energy drinks. And again, if consumed follow with water to neutralize the acidic environment these drinks create in the mouth. Same goes for sugary foods- Unfortunately, many common foods and snacks have sugar in them, so when consumed follow with water.
Dental issues often arise from physical injuries that occur during sports or play. This is where a custom-fitted mouth guard during contact sports or other high-risk activities can play a crucial role and is the best way to avoid serious dental injuries. John Street Dental can assist if you are interested in getting a custom fit mouth guard for your child.
Regular 6 monthly dental checkups will assess your child’s oral health and ensure any problems are addressed early on. Make an appointment for your child at John Street Dental today and if eligible, medicare will cover the cost of the appointment.
For any inquiries regarding this or to make an appointment call our friendly team on: 32844281/ 32846810
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