Circuit 4, station 6

Children’s teeth
Maintaining good oral health in children is essential for their overall well-being. The following tips can help keep children’s teeth healthy and free from decay.
Tooth brushing tips for children
It’s important to use fluoride toothpaste, as it helps to prevent and control tooth decay.
For children aged up to 3 Years:
As soon as the child’s first milk tooth appears, which is usually around six months, parents should start brushing their teeth. Use fluoride toothpaste and brush their teeth twice daily for about two minutes. Brush before bedtime and once more during the day.
Use a children’s fluoride toothpaste that contains no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride, unless advised otherwise by a dentist. Remember to use only a smear of toothpaste and ensure that the child doesn’t eat or lick the toothpaste from the tube.
For children aged 3 to 6 years:
Parents should brush their child’s teeth at least twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Brush their teeth before bedtime and at least once during the day.
Use children’s fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride unless a dentist recommends a family toothpaste that contains between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm fluoride. Only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, and encourage the child to spit out the toothpaste after brushing. Don’t rinse the mouth with water after brushing, as it could lessen the benefits of fluoride.
For children aged 7 and over:
Children aged seven and over should brush their teeth at least twice daily for about two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Brush before bedtime and at least once during the day.
Use fluoride toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm of fluoride, and spit out after brushing without rinsing the mouth with water. It’s a good idea to encourage children to brush their teeth, while also supervising them to ensure proper brushing for the required two minutes.
Fissure sealants and fluoride varnish
Fissure sealants and fluoride varnish are effective treatments to prevent tooth decay. Fissure sealants involve a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to block germs and food particles, typically recommended for children when their permanent back teeth come through. Fluoride varnish is a protective treatment applied every 6 months to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay, recommended for children aged 3 and above, and can also be applied to adult teeth
How to assist children in brushing their teeth correctly?
It’s important to help children brush their teeth properly to maintain good oral health. Encourage them to brush for 2 minutes using a mirror to see where they are cleaning and guide their hand to ensure the correct movement. Make brushing fun with an egg timer, but be sure to supervise to prevent accidents.
Conclusion
A regular teeth-cleaning routine is important for maintaining dental health, especially for children. Fluoride toothpaste, proper brushing supervision, and encouraging the right techniques are key to keeping their teeth healthy.