Parents often make the mistake of thinking they have got time to teach their children good dental hygiene, as their baby teeth are not for life. However, it is wrong to believe children get a second chance with their teeth.
Fail to show them how to implement a healthy dental hygiene routine as a child and it will follow them into adulthood.
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Take for instance, the following startling facts about kids dental health. These figures are proof that we need to act now and encourage our children to pay a visit to the dentist regularly.
Fact One:
Nearly 50% Of 8 Year Olds Have Visible Signs Of Tooth Decay
This can easily be prevented by making sure they brush twice a day for 2 minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
Fact Two:
Healthy Drinks Contain More Sugar Than You Think
Many drinks classed as ‘healthy fruit juices’ have been found to contain more tooth rotting sugar than a can of Sprite. Instead, offer your children a class of milk on alternating days to give their teeth a break.
Fact Three:
Only 4 Out Of 5 Children Visit The Dentist Regularly
Whilst this is a good start, it is important to get your children used to paying a visit to the dentist regularly to remove potential fears and keep their teeth healthy. This is especially easy as NHS dental treatment for children is free.
Fact Four:
The Number Of Children With Plaque Has Dropped By 10% In The Last 10 Years
If we can keep up this pace, we can eradicate plaque in children by 2079; however if we can encourage all children to maintain a regular oral routine, this can help us to achieve this much faster.
Fact Five:
Only 75% Of Children Say They Brush Twice a Day
With the help of schools and nurseries, children are already getting the message – outside of their homes – to have a positive attitude towards their dental care. Teach them to maintain healthy teeth and this attitude will stay with them as they grow up.
Fact Six:
1 In 7 Children Have Severe Or Extensive Tooth Decay
Whilst the message about healthy teeth is spreading, this figure is extremely worrying, especially as tooth decay can be prevented and easily resolved.
Fact Seven:
Children Are More Relaxed The Earlier They Start Visiting The Dentist
With 1 in 7 parents believed to have dental anxiety, these fears can feed into our children. Because of this, it is important that you show them that there is nothing to fear from the dentist from an early age. Make it feel normal and they will even start to enjoy going.
Fact Eight:
Bad Teeth Are Stopping Children From Smiling
Nearly one in three 12 year olds have admitted to being embarrassed to smile due to the condition and appearance of their teeth. This can be prevented by ensuring that they start visiting your dentist as soon as they get their baby teeth, and ensuring that they continue to do so on a regular basis. This enables them to form great habits from an early age and ensures that your child is always smiling.
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It is incredible the difference a regular visit to your dentist can make. So teach your children to properly care for their teeth from a young age and you too can ensure that bad teeth, tooth decay and plaque doesn’t turn them into another statistic.
