It's never too early to start taking care of your children’s teeth. With half of all Australian kids under six experiencing some form of tooth decay, 1 the earlier you instil good dental habits, the better. Here are our essential tips to help you get started.
A balanced diet is a massive factor when it comes to building healthy teeth and gums in children, so make sure you’re giving them enough vegetables, cheese, lean meats and fluoride tap water. Also, keep sugary foods and drinks to an absolute minimum and brush thoroughly afterwards.
All babies are born with teeth. They may be hidden beneath their gums, but they are there. And they need to be cared for from the very beginning. Start by cleaning their gums with a soft cloth after each feed and make sure you minimise their exposure to sugary milks and juices. You’ll be grateful you started early when they hit teething time.
Kids should start visiting the dentist from around 12 months old (or 6 months after their first tooth pops through – whichever comes first). It’s important to help them see the dentist as a positive part of their life, so try and make it as fun as possible. Always be encouraging about their visits and never use the dentist as a deterrent for bad behaviour.
Can you afford the out-of-pocket expenses that come with keeping your family healthy? Australian Unity Health Insurance makes it easier to afford dental treatments. With a range of covers to suit every family, you’re sure to find one that meets your needs and your budget. Depending on your level of cover, you can enjoy things like:
1 The dental health of Australia’s children by remoteness: Child Dental Health Survey Australia 2009, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, p.1. http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129543394