Teach your school-aged kids to love their teeth
As parents and guardians,
we are responsible for
the overall health and
well-being of our children,
which includes their oral
health. Once our children
are old enough to hold
a toothbrush, we should teach them how to brush and clean
between their teeth, even if we (the adults) still do most of
the work.
By age 7, most children will be capable of taking care of their
own teeth, but may need occasional gentle reminders to:
- Brush all tooth surfaces twice a day for two minutes,
using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
- Clean between the teeth every day using floss,
soft picks or a small interdental brush.
- Choose water over fruit juice or pop.
- Eat healthy snacks, such as apples, raw vegetables, cheese,
and plain yogourt.
Children ages 9 to 12 may need extra support as they begin to
experience physical and emotional changes that can increase
their risk for cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.
Scheduling regular dental hygiene appointments is also
important. Your child’s dental hygienist will make sure that they
are using proper toothbrushing techniques and making healthy
dietary choices. They may also recommend treatments such as
fluoride varnish or dental sealants (a thin coating painted on
the deep grooves of molars) to prevent cavities. In some cases,
they may refer your child to an orthodontist for a check-up to
see how their face and jaws are growing, how their teeth are
closing together, and if anything may affect how their teeth will
function in the future. If you don’t have private dental insurance
to cover the cost of these vital services, you may be eligible for
the interim Canada Dental Benefit.
Working together, parents, guardians, and oral health
professionals can provide children with the oral care tools they
need to become healthy, thriving teenagers. That’s something to
smile about!
Find more tooth tips for children ages 7 to 12 at dentalhygienecanada.ca/kids7-12