Oral health is an important part of a child’s overall wellbeing. Good hygiene habits can help promote healthy teeth and gums, and also help prevent common issues such as tooth decay in children1.
Read on as we explore why oral health is important for children, and tips on how to prevent tooth decay in our parent-friendly guide.
Why oral health is important for children
Oral health plays a key role in a child’s overall health and school readiness.2 Here are various reasons why oral health is important for children:
Preventing tooth decay in children
Good oral hygiene plays a vital role in preventing tooth decay in children1. This is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases worldwide3 that can lead to dental cavities, fillings, and potential infections1. Tooth decay can also cause pain and discomfort which can impact a child’s daily life, causing them difficulty eating, speaking and sleeping3. Tooth decay in children may also affect their academic performance at school3.
Tooth decay is also the leading cause of needing to use paediatric general anaesthetic in the UK3.
Speech and confidence
Poor oral health can impact a child’s speech and language development4. This could cause them to fall behind in school and require extra support to get back on track.
Self-confidence
Children with poor oral health may be conscious about their smile3.
Nutrition
Children with poor oral health may also find it difficult to eat, which can put them at risk of poor nutrition3. This can have an impact on their overall health3.
Common causes of poor dental health in children
Several factors can contribute to poor oral health in children, including:
Malnutrition
Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate in children’s bodies5. These essential nutrients help keep their muscles, bones and teeth healthy5. A lack of vitamin D however, can lead to rickets5, which could cause children to develop their teeth much later than usual6. Vitamin D deficiency in children can also result in enamel defects7. Poor nutrition and too much sugar and starches can also increase children’s risk of tooth decay8.
Tooth decay
More than a fifth of five-year-olds in England have tooth decay9. Tooth decay is often caused by too much sugary foods and drink, lack of brushing1.
Poor brushing techniques
Brushing too quickly (for less than two minutes), brushing less than twice a day, and leaving children to brush unsupervised too early could contribute to tooth decay9.
Tips to improve oral health, and how to prevent tooth decay in children
In this section, parents and carers can find practical, everyday tips that you can implement to help your children maintain strong, healthy teeth.
Proper diet
A poor diet can increase children’s risk of tooth decay2. Swap sugary drinks for water or milk to help prevent tooth decay2, while eating more fruit and vegetables can help protect their oral health10.
Brushing properly
Children up to three years11
Parents should brush their children’s teeth twice a day
Brush for two minutes
Brush with a smear of children’s fluoride toothpaste with at least 1,000ppm of fluoride.
Children three to six years11
Children should be encouraged to brush their teeth twice a day with supervision
Brush for two minutes
Brush with a pea-sized amount of children’s fluoride toothpaste containing 1,000ppm to 1,500ppm of fluoride.
Children seven years and above11
Children can brush their teeth on their own twice a day (though you can continue to supervise them if you wish)
Brush for two minutes
Brush with fluoride toothpaste that contains 1,350ppm to 1,500ppm of fluoride.
Dental hygiene tips11
Check that your child brushes all surfaces, including their gums and behind their teeth
If they have trouble brushing, guide their hand to encourage small, circular movements
Use a toothbrush that’s age appropriate
Set up a mirror to help guide children, and set a timer for two minutes
Make brushing fun – why not get them a musical toothbrush?
Introducing mouthwash
If your child is over six years of age, you might want to incorporate an alcohol free, fluoride mouthwash into their dental hygiene routine12. Just make sure that the mouthwash does not replace brushing. Instead, it should be used in addition to brushing twice daily12.
LISTERINE® Smart Rinse Mild Berry Mouthwash is a sugar and alcohol free formula which helps to clean where brushing misses. It contains fluoride which can help reduce cavities in children by up to 40% more than brushing alone. It is suitable for children six years and over, with adult supervision.
When to take your child to the dentist
Your child should see the dentist as soon as their first milk teeth appear, or before they reach 12 months old11. This can help them become comfortable at the dentist and can also help to detect any problems from an early stage11. After this point, be sure to schedule regular check-ups in line with dentist recommendations11.
In the UK, NHS dental care is free for children11. However, you can take your child to a private clinic should you wish to do so. Being upbeat when taking your child to the dentist can help encourage a positive experience and eliminate any fears they might have11.
You can also read our guide on how often to go to the dentist for more advice.
Oral health tips: FAQs
A child should visit the dentist as soon as their first milk teeth appear, or before they reach 12 months old11. After this period, children should have regular dental-check ups11. This is important as the dentist can advise on how to prevent tooth decay and detect any dental health problems early11.
The best oral hygiene routine for kids will usually involve brushing their teeth twice a day, morning and night, with adult supervision. Children aged seven and above can often brush their teeth on their own, while younger children will usually need help brushing11. It is also advisable to introduce a fluoride mouthwash from the age of six11.