Dr Abigail Moore
Paediatric Dentist, Dublin
A healthy smile starts long before the tooth fairy arrives. Childhood dental decay is common but completely preventable. A few simple habits can protect your child’s teeth for life.
Brush together twice a day
From the first moment a tooth appears, we need to start cleaning. Kids need assistance with brushing until around age seven. Even after that, supervision is required to ensure it isn’t forgotten. Make it a family routine — mornings and bedtime — so they build healthy habits early. Brushing is non-negotiable.
Use fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride strengthens teeth and is your child’s best defence against cavities. Children over two should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with 1450ppm fluoride. Press the paste into the brush, so it is released gradually during brushing. At the end, spit but don’t rinse out; the toothpaste residue continues to harden the teeth.
Every time we eat something,
acid is created in the mouth,
which damages teeth.
Stick to milk and water only
Fruit juices, cordials and smoothies (even the ‘no added sugar’ or organic ones) are full of acids and natural sugars that can damage teeth. Keep these for special occasions and stick to milk or water as everyday drinks. Only offer water after the nighttime brush.
Watch the snacking: food-free time
Every time we eat something, acid is created in the mouth, which damages teeth. Sugary and sticky foods create more acid, but all foods generate some. The more often teeth are attacked, the more they are damaged. Teeth need time in between the acid attacks to recover. So, it’s not just what children eat but how often. Aim for three main meals and two snacks a day.
Don’t wait for the school dentist
Bring your child for their first dental visit when their first tooth appears; it helps build positive, stress-free experiences early. Bring your child along to your visit or with a sibling. This not only makes the dentist a familiar setting but also prevents problems from developing. Over one in three Irish five-year-olds has cavities, so early detection and targeted professional advice can prevent problems and ensure healthy smiles.
