18/03/2025

Healthy Smiles: Tips for Kids’ Oral Health This World Oral Health Day

Every parent wants their child to have a happy, healthy smile, but good oral health goes beyond just a bright set of teeth. Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases, yet it’s largely preventable with the right care. This World Oral Health Day, let’s explore some simple, effective ways to keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy.

Start Early with Good Habits

The foundation for strong teeth begins early. As soon as your baby’s first tooth appears, start brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. By age three, increase the toothpaste amount to a pea-sized dab. Encouraging good habits early sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Make Brushing and Flossing Fun

Brushing twice a day for two minutes can feel like a chore, but making it fun can change the game! Let your child choose their own toothbrush, play a favourite song while brushing, or use a toothbrushing app with a built-in timer. Once teeth start touching, introduce flossing to remove hidden plaque and food particles.

Keep Sugary Snacks in Check

We all know kids love sweets, but frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks can lead to cavities. Try to limit sugary snacks and opt for tooth-friendly alternatives like cheese, yogurt, crunchy fruits, and veggies. Water is the best drink for healthy teeth!

Regular Dental Check-ups Are a Must

Even if your child’s teeth look fine, regular dental visits (every six months) help catch any early signs of tooth decay and reinforce good oral hygiene habits. The first dental visit should happen by your child’s first birthday.

Lead by Example

Kids love to imitate their parents, so let them see you practicing good oral hygiene. Brush and floss together as a family activity to show that it’s an important part of the daily routine.

The Best Toothbrush and Toothpaste for Kids

Selecting the right toothbrush and toothpaste is key to good oral health. For young children (0-3 years), a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head and easy-grip handle is ideal. Electric toothbrushes designed for kids can also be effective and fun to use. For children aged 3 and up, a toothbrush with a slightly larger head and soft bristles is best. Look for toothbrushes with the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) approval mark.

When it comes to toothpaste, the NHS recommends using a fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1000 ppm fluoride for children under 3 years old and 1350-1500 ppm fluoride for children aged 3 and over. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. Always encourage children to spit out toothpaste rather than rinse to retain fluoride benefits.

Did You Know?

• According to the World Health Organization, over 530 million children suffer from tooth decay in their primary teeth
• Fluoride in tap water can reduce cavities in children by 25%
• Brushing just once a day instead of twice can increase the risk of cavities by 33%!

A little daily effort can go a long way in ensuring your child’s smile stays bright and healthy. This World Oral Health Day, let’s commit to making dental care a priority—because healthy teeth mean happy kids!