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Teaching your child proper oral care at a young age is an investment in their health that will last a lifetime.

You can start by setting an example; taking good care of your own teeth sends a message that oral health is something to be valued. And anything that makes taking care of teeth fun, like brushing along with your child or letting them choose their own toothbrush, encourages proper oral care.

There are some simple steps, which if you teach your children will protect their teeth and gums and greatly reduce their risk of needing fillings cavities:

1) Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque, this is the sticky film on teeth that's the main cause of tooth decay.
2) Eat a well-balanced diet that limits starchy or sugary foods, which produce plaque acids that cause tooth decay.
3) Always use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
4) Take your child to the dentist for regular check-ups.
5) At the right age teach your child to floss, this will remove plaque from between their teeth and under the gumline, before it can harden into tartar. Once tartar has formed, it can only be removed by a professional cleaning.

When it comes to brushing you may want to supervise your children until they get the hang of the simple steps:

Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Take care that your child does not swallow the toothpaste. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush, brushing the inside of each tooth first, this is where plaque may accumulate most. Brush gently back and forth.
Clean the outer surfaces of each tooth by putting the brush at an angle along the outer gumline. Gently brush back and forth. Brush the chewing surface of each tooth. Gently brush back and forth. Use the tip of the brush to clean behind each front tooth, both top and bottom, and it's always fun to brush the tongue!

Flossing removes food particles and plaque between teeth that brushing misses, the sooner your child masters how to use floss and becomes a daily routine the better. In the USA, the advice is from 4 years. By the time they reach age eight, most kids can begin flossing for themselves.

Fluoride is one of the best ways to help prevent against tooth decay. A naturally occurring mineral, fluoride combines with the tooth's enamel to strengthen it. For most children the proper use of fluoride toothpaste will be sufficient to help prevent decay.

A balanced diet is necessary for your child to develop strong, decay-resistant teeth. In addition to a full range of vitamins and minerals, a child's diet should include plenty of calcium, phosphorous, and proper levels of fluoride.

If fluoride is your child's greatest protection against tooth decay, then frequent snacking may be the biggest enemy. The sugars and starches found in many foods like biscuits, sweets, soft drinks and even some savoury snacks are food for bacteria in dental plaque and are converted to acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel and can lead to cavities.

Each "plaque attack" can last up to 20 minutes after a meal or snack has been finished. Even a little nibble can create plaque acids. So it's best to limit snacking between meals.

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