As parents, we are often worried about our children especially one concerning their dental health on whether is it at tip-top condition? Will those excess sweets damage their tooth and gum? Those are the common questions that some of us will have.

Tooth decay happens when bacteria on the teeth produces acid while breaking down food and drink which can cause damage to your tooth enamel if left unattended. Learn how to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy and prevent tooth decay through regular cleaning, flossing and dental visits.

• As best practice, start while they are young. When you child is around three months old, clean your child’s 1st tooth with a damp cloth or use baby tooth brush after every feeding.
• As your child grows older, it is advisable to not let your child snack too often and limits sugary drinks, such prevention measure will reduce chances of developing cavities.
• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your child's teeth at least twice a day and preferably after every meal. Brushing before bedtime is very important.
• Use children’s fluoridated toothpaste, small pea-sized amount for children above 2 years of age.
• Flossing is important. You can start flossing your child's teeth from around age three.
• Supervise your child while they brush their teeth until the age of 6 to 8 years old.
• Never share a toothbrush. Change the toothbrush when the bristles start to splay.
• Start taking your child to the dentist for dental check-ups at an early age to familiarise them with dental clinic.
• A visit to the dentist is recommended at least once a year but for those who are at high risk of tooth decay (dental caries), the visits may need to be more often.
• Attend to dental injuries immediately; let your dentist evaluate the problem(s). This will ensure that appropriate treatment is started sooner rather than later. Delay in getting treatment will affect chances of healing and possibility of an infection.

Visit our page at Children Dentistry to know more on how you can schedule a visit with us. Start shielding your kid's dental health from now onwards.