Tips for Parents

Keep your child’s oral health and hygiene in tip-top condition with the following five tips for parents…

1. Commit to two minutes, twice a day

Children’s oral health is very important. Not enough Irish children brush their teeth with the right frequency. It’s time to make this a habit and motivate your child to stick to it with a fun game, a chart or a reward. By making it fun and something you should do every day, you’re encouraging healthy habits in your child’s mind. It’s making an association between fun and teeth brushing and training that association to become a habit.

That’s all it takes. Two minutes, twice a day.

2. Keep them away from the sugar monster

It’s hard for children to navigate across their snack choices and make wise decisions when presented with an array of tempting, sugary options. That’s why you’ve got to make healthy snacks appealing. Limit sugar as much as possible and avoid putting fizzy drinks, sugary fruit juices and sweets in lunchboxes and at home.

Check out some of our “treats” recipes on our blog or perhaps some handy, quick sides recipes that you can rustle up with the kids to go alongside dinner. It’s cooking time!

3. Get more dairy into their system

Studies have shown that full fat products such as whole milk and cheese are great for keeping young teeth strong and healthy. Make sure these are full fat to ensure sugar is at a minimum.

4. Brush the right way

Make sure they’re brushing their teeth correctly and not just focusing on the front ones. They should be using a soft brush and light circular motions, as well as flossing and using mouthwash on a daily basis. Time their teeth brushing with an egg timer, or a two-minute song to keep them motivated and on track.

5. Regular check-ups every six months are key

We can’t stress this enough. Detecting and tackling problems early can avoid costly and painful procedures in the future. It’s a crucial investment in your child’s future oral and overall health. You achieve this with regular check-ups.

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