This month, our Ask The Expert topic is all about children’s teeth and the steps that you can take to make sure that their pearly whites stay nice and healthy. Here, Dr Jennifer Hoy, a dentist at HealthPlus Family Health Center in Al Bandar tells us more…
Visiting the Dentist
From when your child reaches the age of two, they should be visiting the dentist every 6 months. This is important to make sure that their teeth are properly cared for, and any problems can be identified and treated quickly to prevent further issues as they get older. Taking children to the dentist regularly also means that they get used to visiting and are comfortable with the dentist- they’ll simply hop in the chair and wait for their sticker!
Caring for Children's Teeth
Children should brush their teeth twice a day- once in the morning, and once at night. Make sure that you use a small toothbrush that is appropriate to their age, and use small circular movements to brush every tooth from the back of the mouth to the front, making sure to brush around the gums as well.
From the age of two, you should use just a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, which again should be appropriate to the age of your child due to the levels of fluoride. Children under two years old do not require toothpaste, but the action of just brushing their teeth is still very important.
Ideally, try to brush children’s teeth for two minutes, and make sure that they spit out as much of the toothpaste as possible once you’re done. Using a small sand timer is a good way to make sure that children are brushing their teeth for long enough, but it may still be difficult with smaller children, so try to get them to brush for as long as they can!
Diet
Diet has a huge impact on the health of your child’s teeth, and it is important to limit the amount of sugar that they are consuming. Sugary snacks and drinks should be minimised, and instead replaced with fruit, water, and milk. Be mindful of foods that contain hidden sugars such as fruit juices. Whilst fruit juices are a healthier option than fizzy drinks, they still contain lots of sugar which is bad for teeth.
About HealthPlus Family Health Center
Hands up, who is afraid of going to the dentist? Well, a visit to HealthPlus Family Health Center will most definitely change your opinion and banish those unnecessary fears; with comfort, safety, and peace of mind as their main priorities, HealthPlus Family Health Center is a modern clinic located in a tranquil setting overlooking Al Bandar’s marina. The dental team at HealthPlus Family Health Center provide dedicated expertise that focuses on oral health education, treatment, and prevention of a broad range of dental problems. Their team of highly-qualified dentists provide a comprehensive list of services and procedures, from fillings, root canals and extractions, to preventative, aesthetic, and cosmetic treatments.
The dental health services at HealthPlus Family Health Center include:
- Advanced General Dentistry
- Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry such as Veneers, whitening and many more
- Family & Pediatric Dentistry
- Root Canal Therapy
- Periodontal Therapy
- Oral Surgery
- Invisalign®
