DENTAL HEALTH DOS & DON’TS

• Do replace your child’s toothbrush every two to three months.

• Do use a pea size amount of child-friendly toothpaste to avoid the child consuming too much fluoride.

• Do make it fun. Pull faces and make sounds to add to the excitement. Use games, apps and songs to motivate tots to brush longer.

• Do lead by example and make it a family affair. Kids love to imitate.

• Do reward good dental habits. Use a star chart and reward a sticker for every time when your child brushes well.

• Do teach them to drink water as their preferred drink.

• Do educate your child about the importance of oral hygiene. Explain how “plaque bugs” can cause rotten teeth and stinky breath.

• Don’t let children lie or walk around with sugary snacks or drinks (even juice) for hours.

• Don’t suck on your baby’s dummy to clean it or bite food off to share – you are passing harmful bacteria from your mouth to Baby, and this increases his risk for cavities.

• Don’t wait until your child is in need of dental care. It is more expensive and painful to correct than it is to prevent.

• Don’t give up! It is normal for little ones to resist brushing at some stage.

• Don’t brush immediately after eating or drinking. Rather rinse with water, and wait an hour or so before brushing.

• Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, as this causes tooth decay. ●