From Breakfast Rush to Bedtime Brush: Protecting Young Smiles

From Breakfast Rush to Bedtime Brush: Protecting Young Smiles

The main reason children under nine in the UK are admitted to hospital is not due to an accident or illness. It’s actually something many may not immediately associate with a trip to the hospital – tooth decay. But according to recent figures, tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admission among children aged five to nine1. And almost nine in 10 children in this age bracket required a tooth extraction due to decay1.
While this is a sobering statistic, September is the perfect month for fresh starts and new family routines. New uniforms, new school year – and new oral care habits.

“Most parents I see genuinely care about their child’s oral health and are working hard to implement good habits”, says Derbyshire-based dental hygienist Emma Nelson. “But let’s face it – sometimes it can feel like a bit of a battle”!

The good news is that there are several simple steps parents can take to support their child’s oral health and instil good habits that will last a lifetime.

Make it a routine – Encourage children to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste. Brushing can be introduced at a very early age as soon as the first tooth appears2.

Healthy, happy lunchboxes – Water and milk are great alternatives to juice or sugar-sweetened drinks, while fruit, vegetables, yoghurt or cheese can provide more tooth-friendly nibbles3.

Remember to clean between – “Parents are increasingly recognising that oral care goes beyond a toothbrush”, continues Emma. “Cleaning between the teeth is a vital part of keeping teeth healthy. As children’s teeth move closer together, cleaning between them can help remove plaque from spaces a toothbrush cannot reach”.

Make it fun! – This is where DenTek comes in. DenTek’s Kids Fun Floss Picks make cleaning between tight baby or adult teeth easy for little hands and the kid-friendly fruit taste gets the thumbs up. No more yukky mint reaction! With brightly coloured handles and no sharp pick ends, this clever design takes the fuss out of flossing and is a brilliant way for parents to introduce and reinforce good oral care habits from an early age.

Use September to hit reset and establish a fresh bathroom routine, helping children build simple, consistent habits that can take their oral care to the next level – leaving more time for learning, playing and growing.

Always supervise children and refer to product information before use. Always seek advice from a qualified dental professional for ongoing or persistent concerns.