A healthy smile is a foundation for every beautiful smile. We’re celebrating 2019 Dental Health Week and are excited to promote the Australian Dental Association’s tips for maintaining excellent oral health as a family.

Baby/Toddler Oral Health Tips

1. To clean your baby’s teeth – use a damp washcloth and gently rub their gums.
2. As teeth start to appear, start to introduce a soft, child-size toothbrush.
3. Don’t use toothpaste until they are around 18 months of age. It is recommended to use child-strength fluoride toothpaste.
4. Visit a dentist when the first lot of teeth appears or by 12 months.
5. Brush twice daily and floss teeth that touch together.

Children Oral Health Tips

1. Floss teeth that touch together.
2. Use child-strength toothpaste – Your dentist may recommend other alternatives. They can start using adult strength toothpaste when your child is 9 years old.
3. Make brushing fun – Play a song or use an appropriate smartphone application as a reminder to brush for the recommended two minutes.

General Oral Health Tips

1. Brush twice a day and floss – remember that brushing does not remove plaque between teeth.
2. Drink heaps of water-consuming water after meals can help to flush out food particles and also strengthen your teeth.
3. Limit sugar intake – Each time you eat foods containing sugar, you are feeding the bacteria in your mouth. This can result in tooth decay.
4. Chew sugar-free gum – Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating can prompt your mouth to produce more saliva, which helps to neutralise decay-causing acid attacks.

If you would like more information about the services the team at All About Teeth offers for maintaining excellent oral health, contact us today. The Australian Dental Association also has several resources available to also help with your oral health.