Babies and Toddlers
Children's primary (baby) teeth are important for many reasons. They play a vital role in healthy diet, learning to speak and showing a child's unique personality. In addition, primary teeth keep the correct spaces for the permanent (adult) teeth to move into later on. For all these reasons, it is important to take good care of the primary teeth.
Toothbrushing
Start cleaning your baby's teeth as soon as they appear by wiping them with a damp muslin or face cloth. This should be done twice daily to clean the teeth and encourage good habits and acceptance of toothbrushing. By one year old, start using a small, soft toothbrush with an easy to hold handle and a smear of toothpaste. Turn taking or "you brush mine and I'll brush yours" helps when the child's need for independence hinders good tooth brushing. Also offering the child toothbrushing choice e.g the red toothbrush or the blue one can provide positive tooth brushing experiences.
You need to help your child with toothbrushing at least twice per day until they are seven years old. Younger children just don't have the manual dexterity to clean their teeth adequately by themselves. An electric toothbrush is worth considering as it simplifies toothbrushing since is only needs to be held next to the tooth and offers a choice.
Start flossing your child's teeth once the back teeth are touching
Use a standard fluoride toothpaste (not a junior/child's toothpaste). Supervise children under five to ensure they spit the toothpaste out. Do not allow children to rinse with water after spitting. This way they are less likely to swallow any toothpaste and it keeps a protective layer of fluoride on their teeth.
Dental Visits
Your two year old child should start having regular check ups by a School Dental Therapist (0800 TINY TEETH) or a private dentist. Only the School Dental Therapists are funded by the government; there will be private fees if you opt to have your child seen by a dentist.
Fluoride
Christchurch's artesian water supply has no natural fluoride and there is no fluoride added to the water supply. Fluoridated water reduces tooth decay by 30-40 percent. Fluoride tablets can be added to tap water to make fluoridated water for drinking - add 2 tablets to one litre of water. Use this water for your child's daily fluid intake, including baby's formula bottles.
It is important to use only a smear of adult toothpaste on the brush and to keep the tube safely out of reach.
Teething
The front teeth usually come through the gums between the ages of six to ten months. All twenty baby teeth are usually present by 2 years of age. Some children may be up to six months later than the norm. Teething symptoms can include sore gums, red cheeks, fever, dribbling, nappy rash and irritability. To relieve teething problems, try cold teething rings, Bonjela, herbal remedies or paracetamol (if severe).
Thumbsucking
Thumbsucking is natural up to the age of three or four. If it continues beyond the age of six years, it can affect the front teeth by pushing them out so they don't bite together properly. Most children stop thumbsucking under peer pressure at primary school. Others may need to be reminded to stop and for those who can't, a special plate can be made and worn for three to six months.
Dummies
Try to use a dummy as an occasional comforter only. If it is kept in the mouth for longer than six hours a day, your child could develop an open bite (which means the front teeth don't meet. NEVER put honey, jam or syrup on the dummy as this can lead to extensive tooth decay.
Bottle Caries
A common form of decay inn baby teeth is called "bottle caries". It is caused by giving a baby or toddler a bottle with milk or fruit juice at bed time or for long periods during the day. At night is worse as there is very little saliva produced to dilute and wash away the liquid. The only safe drink at night is WATER.
Diet
The diet is the most important factor contributing to tooth decay in New Zealand. It is the frequency of snacks during the day which is important as well as the sugar content. The more often your child eats or drinks sugary foods/drinks, the more chance he or she has of getting cavities. Sweet foods are best given at meal times rather than in between meals. Encourage savoury snacks such as cheese, nuts and raw vegetables rather than chocolate, dried fruits and biscuits. Orange juice contains a high concentration of natural sugar; this is also harmful to teeth and must be given to your children with caution. The only "safe" drinks for children are milk and water.
