The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
Men's Weekly

.

Worried about your child's teeth? Focus on these 3 things

  • Written by Mihiri Silva, Paediatric dentist, Senior Lecturer and Clinician-Scientist Fellow, MCRI and University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Worried about your child's teeth? Focus on these 3 things

One in three Australian children[1] have tooth decay by the time they start school. This rises to more than 40% by the time they’re eight or nine[2].

Teeth decay[3] occurs when frequent and excessive amounts of sugar disturb bacteria in the mouth. This can lead to holes or “cavities”, which may need fillings.

If untreated, the holes can get bigger, causing pain and infection. Tooth decay is the most common cause of toothache among children and tooth decay is a leading cause of preventable hospital admission[4].

Parents and carers sometimes think baby teeth are less important than adult teeth. But tooth decay can impair[5] a child’s ability to eat, sleep, learn and socialise. It can affect the quality of life[6] of children, and their parents and carers.

The good news is tooth decay is preventable with three good dental habits[7]: early dental check-ups, twice daily brushing and limiting sugar.

Read more: Yes, baby teeth fall out. But they're still important — here's how to help your kids look after them[8]

1. Early dental check-ups

Australian[9] and international[10] guidelines recommend children have their first dental check-up when the first tooth emerges from the gums (usually at age six months), or by at least 12 months of age.

Yet few families follow this advice[11], presuming their child is too young, or that they have healthy teeth.

Early dental check-ups can pick up early signs of tooth decay. This allows simple treatments, such as topical fluoride varnish[12], which stop tooth decay getting worse.

Dentist shows instrument to child patient
Early treatments can stop decay getting worse. Nadezhda Moryak/Pexels[13]

Australian children from families experiencing the greatest adversity are the least likely[14] to access dental services. However, all preschool-aged children are eligible for free dental check-ups through public dental services[15].

Medicare’s Child Dental Benefits Scheme[16] also provides a capped benefit for eligible children to use at their local dentist. Around 95% of dentists bulk bill[17] services under the Medicare scheme.

However, with uptake below 40%[18], most eligible families are not using the scheme, indicating cost is only one barrier[19]. Families living in rural and remote areas, for instance, may find it difficult accessing dental services.

Read more: Why some kids are more prone to dental decay[20]

2. Brush their teeth

Twice daily brushing[21] using age-appropriate fluoridated toothpaste is recommended. The Australian fluoride guidelines[22] recommend a low-strength fluoridated toothpaste is used from 18 months of age.

Many young children have teeth spaced apart, so flossing between teeth may not be necessary. However, your dentist may recommend flossing if teeth are in tight contact.

While most Australian adults brush their teeth twice daily, tooth brushing is less consistent[23] in the early years.

Mum puts toothpaste on daughter's toothbrush
Use a low-strength fluoride toothpaste from 18 months of age. Rdne Stock Project/Pexels[24]

For some parents and carers, tooth brushing can be a low priority, as it becomes difficult when young children are uncooperative. Dental check-ups can help parents and carers get individualised support with these important dental habits.

Manual dexterity varies between children, so it’s important to assist children with tooth brushing well into primary school. Some children may need help for longer than others. Ask at your next dental check-up whether your child is brushing well.

3. Limit sugar

Consuming sugar early in life can increase the preference[25] for sugar as children get older.

Parents and carers should avoid giving free sugars[26] to children. Free sugars[27] are those added to food and drinks (such as confectionery and soft drinks) and those naturally present in honey and fruit juices.

The World Health Organisation recommends[28] limiting free sugars to less than 5% of total energy intake. However, many Australian children consume[29] well above this amount.

Parents and carers should be wary[30] of aggressive marketing and deceptive labelling of sweet drinks and snacks as healthy alternatives.

Read more: Misleading food labels contribute to babies and toddlers eating too much sugar. 3 things parents can do[31]

Children should also avoid eating and drinking around bedtime to reduce[32] the risk of tooth decay. This includes consumption of milk and other sugar-sweetened drinks from bottles to sleep.

Boy swings
Fluoridated water protects kids’ teeth from decay. Cherylholt/Pixabay[33]

The best alternative to sugar-sweetened drinks is water. Drinking water from a fluoridated water supply will help protect[34] your child’s teeth from decay.

Community water fluoridation was one of the greatest public health achievements[35] of the 20th century. But some Australians, particularly in rural and remote areas, miss out. People living in these areas might benefit from other fluoride therapies (such as fluoride mouth rinses) but should discuss this with their dentist.

Families have an important role to play in children’s dental health. Early dental check-ups, brushing teeth twice a day with age-appropriate fluoridated toothpaste, and limiting sugar will allow children to reach adulthood with healthy mouths.

References

  1. ^ One in three Australian children (www.aihw.gov.au)
  2. ^ eight or nine (journals.plos.org)
  3. ^ decay (www.nature.com)
  4. ^ hospital admission (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  5. ^ impair (doi.org)
  6. ^ quality of life (doi.org)
  7. ^ good dental habits (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  8. ^ Yes, baby teeth fall out. But they're still important — here's how to help your kids look after them (theconversation.com)
  9. ^ Australian (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  10. ^ international (www.aapd.org)
  11. ^ follow this advice (doi.org)
  12. ^ fluoride varnish (doi.org)
  13. ^ Nadezhda Moryak/Pexels (www.pexels.com)
  14. ^ least likely (doi.org)
  15. ^ public dental services (www.teeth.org.au)
  16. ^ Child Dental Benefits Scheme (www.servicesaustralia.gov.au)
  17. ^ bulk bill (www.health.gov.au)
  18. ^ below 40% (www.health.gov.au)
  19. ^ only one barrier (doi.org)
  20. ^ Why some kids are more prone to dental decay (theconversation.com)
  21. ^ Twice daily brushing (doi.org)
  22. ^ Australian fluoride guidelines (doi.org)
  23. ^ less consistent (rchpoll.org.au)
  24. ^ Rdne Stock Project/Pexels (www.pexels.com)
  25. ^ increase the preference (publications.aap.org)
  26. ^ avoid giving free sugars (doi.org)
  27. ^ Free sugars (iris.who.int)
  28. ^ recommends (iris.who.int)
  29. ^ consume (www.abs.gov.au)
  30. ^ should be wary (www.cambridge.org)
  31. ^ Misleading food labels contribute to babies and toddlers eating too much sugar. 3 things parents can do (theconversation.com)
  32. ^ reduce (doi.org)
  33. ^ Cherylholt/Pixabay (pixabay.com)
  34. ^ protect (doi.org)
  35. ^ greatest public health achievements (blogs.cdc.gov)

Read more https://theconversation.com/worried-about-your-childs-teeth-focus-on-these-3-things-212870

Times Magazine

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

CNC Machining Meets Stage Design - Black Swan State Theatre Company & Tommotek

When artistry meets precision engineering, incredible things happen. That’s exactly what unfolded when Tommotek worked alongside the Black Swan State Theatre Company on several of their innovative stage productions. With tight deadlines and intrica...

The Times Features

Running Across Australia: What Really Holds the Body Together?

How William Goodge’s 3,800km run reveals the connection between movement, mindset, and mental resilience As a business owner, I’ve come to realise that the biggest wins rarely com...

Telehealth is Transforming Healthcare Services in Australia

It has traditionally not been easy to access timely healthcare in Australia, particularly for people who live in remote areas. Many of them spend hours on the road just to see a...

Launchd Acquires Huume, Strengthening Creative Firepower Across Talent-Led Marketing

Launchd, a leader in talent, technology and brand partnerships, has announced its acquisition of influencer talent management agency Huume from IZEA. The move comes as the medi...

Vietnam's "Gold Coast" Emerges as Extraordinary Investment Frontier and Australian Inspired Way of Life

$2 Billion super-city in Vung Tau set to replicate Australia's Gold Coast success story A culturally metamorphic development aptly named "Gold Coast" is set to reshape Vietna...

Choosing the Wrong Agent Is the #1 Regret Among Aussie Property Sellers

Selling your home is often one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make, and for many Australians, it’s also one of the most emotional. A new survey of Australian home se...

Travel Insurance for Families: What Does it Cover and Why it’s Essential

Planning a family trip is exciting, but unexpected mishaps can turn your dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. That’s where travel insurance comes in—it’s your safety net when ...