Top Ten Dental Tips for Children

Healthy teeth are essential for a child’s overall health and well-being. Good oral hygiene can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. This article provides 10 dental tips for children, along with additional tips for parents. By following these tips, parents can help their children develop healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime.

Children’s teeth are more susceptible to cavities than adults’ teeth. This is because children’s teeth are still developing, and the enamel layer is thinner. Additionally, children’s diets often contain more sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to cavities. Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing cavities and other dental problems in children. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day, visiting the dentist regularly, and eating a healthy diet.

The following are 10 dental tips for children:  Dental Treatment Sharjah

Start brushing early. As soon as your child’s first tooth comes in, start brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Make brushing fun

  1. Make brushing fun. Let your child choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste, and make brushing a fun activity. You can sing songs, tell stories, or play games to make brushing more enjoyable.
  2. Floss regularly. Floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your child’s teeth.
  3. Visit the dentist regularly Visit the dentist regularly. Your child should see the dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months.
  4. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, which can cause cavities. Instead, encourage your child to eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  5. Drink fluoridated water. Fluoride helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. If your water supply is not fluoridated, talk to your dentist about fluoride supplements.
  6. Limit sugary drinks. Sugary drinks, such as soda, juice, and sports drinks, can cause cavities. Limit your child’s intake of sugary drinks to no more than one per day.
  7. Don’t let your child fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice. The sugar in these drinks can cause cavities overnight.
  8. Teach your child about good oral hygiene.  Teach your child about good oral hygiene. Explain to your child the importance of brushing and flossing, and why it’s important to visit the dentist regularly.
  9. Set a good example. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth regularly, and take your child to the dentist for regular checkups.

Additional tips for parents:

  • Make sure your child’s toothbrush is the right size for their mouth.
  • Help your child brush their teeth until they are old enough to do it themselves.
  • Supervise your child when they are flossing.
  • Praise your child for good brushing and flossing habits.
  • Make dental care a part of your family’s routine.

From Tooth Pain to Dental Relief: A Comprehensive Treatment Journey with Mr. Johnson

By Dr. Zareena Moorkan

Photo for illustrative purpose only
During my 30 years of dental practice, I have seen many different cases. Five years ago, Mr. Johnson came to me with tooth pain. After examining him, I figured out what was causing his pain. Let me tell you about his treatment.

Mr. Johnson had tooth pain that made it hard for him to eat. He felt sharp and temporary pain when he brushed his teeth or ate and drank. This meant he might have sensitive teeth because the enamel on his teeth was worn out or the roots were exposed.

During the examination, I checked for other reasons that could be causing his tooth pain. I found out that he had cavities, which are holes in the teeth caused by decay. These cavities were likely making him uncomfortable.

I also noticed that Mr. Johnson had a cracked or chipped tooth, which can be painful, especially when biting down.

Furthermore, I saw signs of gum disease in Mr. Johnson’s mouth. His gums had receded, exposing the nerves of his teeth and causing him pain. I explained to him that brushing his teeth too hard, especially with a hard-bristled brush, can cause gum disease.

Another reason for Mr. Johnson’s tooth pain was teeth grinding. He had a habit of grinding or clenching his teeth, which had worn down the enamel and exposed the sensitive layer underneath, leading to pain and sensitivity.

I also talked to Mr. Johnson about how acidic foods can affect his teeth. Eating foods high in acid, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can erode the enamel and cause tooth pain.

Considering all these factors contributing to Mr. Johnson’s tooth soreness, I recommended a comprehensive treatment plan. I advised him to use special toothpaste for sensitive teeth and prescribed fluoride treatment to reduce his tooth pain. I also suggested fixing his cavities with fillings and repairing the cracked or chipped tooth. We discussed the importance of good oral hygiene, like using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding teeth grinding.

Finally, I emphasized the need for Mr. Johnson to keep an eye on his gum disease and suggested regular dental check-ups to maintain his oral health. By addressing these causes and following the treatments I recommended, we aimed to relieve Mr. Johnson’s tooth pain and improve his overall dental health.
(Dr. Zareena Moorkan  has been working in a private clinic in Sharjah for the past 28 years)