Top tips for protecting young teeth

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The key to ensuring your children have healthy teeth is educating yourself about sugary foods to avoid as a family, good dental hygiene and regular checks by a dentist.

Platypus Dental owner Dr Terry Pu says often parents need more education about tooth decay and how to prevent it.

“A lot of people think it’s DNA related, which it isn’t. It’s more because the parents have a diet with a lot of sugar and they will feed the same food to their children. They don’t understand the impact of what they’re doing,” Terry says.

“When you consume sugary foods and drinks, bacteria in your mouth convert the sugar into acid. This acid attacks the tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth.

“Over time, this acid erosion can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and other oral health problems.”

Terry says children's teeth are more susceptible to decay than adult teeth.

“This is because their enamel is thinner and less mineralised. Frequent exposure to sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay, especially in young children,” he explains.

Sugary drinks, such as soft drinks, juice, and sports drinks, are particularly harmful to teeth.

“These drinks are often acidic and can erode tooth enamel quickly. Additionally, sipping sugary drinks throughout the day can constantly expose teeth to sugar, increasing the risk of decay,” he says.

Making dental hygiene fun is also vital to establishing good habits.

“When they brush their teeth, make sure they do it together … make it a fun, family activity. By doing that, the kids realise it’s something that is quite important. Don’t make it a chore. That’s important,” Terry says.

Tips for protecting children’s teeth

1. Limit sugar intake: Reduce your child's consumption of sugary foods and drinks including lollies, biscuits, cakes, and sugary drinks

2. Choose healthy snacks: Encourage your child to eat healthy snacks, such as fruit, vegetables and nuts

3. Good oral hygiene: Teach your child to brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day

4. Regular dental check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups for your child to monitor their oral health and address any issues early.

5. Avoid prolonged sucking: Discourage your child from sucking on pacifiers or bottles for extended periods, as this can lead to tooth decay.

6. Water is best: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria.

Platypus Dental provides comprehensive dental care for the whole family. Visit platypusdental.com.au