School Nurse -

Carla Lang 

                                                           Dental News 

This week the Dental Van from Martin Vale Dentists has been here at the school.  It was great to see so many families take up the opportunity of their visit. It is a timely reminder of the importance of good oral hygiene and the need to look after our teeth. If anyone would like more information, there is a link below to the Raising Children’s Website. This website provides information on a range of topics including health and parenting from birth to young adult.

Teeth development in adolescence

Between 6 and 12 years, children have a mixture of adult and baby teeth. By the age of 12, most children have all their adult teeth except for their third molars (wisdom teeth). There are 32 adult teeth.

When adult teeth are coming through

Your child might find chewing is more difficult when their baby teeth are loose or missing, but your child still needs to eat healthy foods.

It’s important for your child to keep up their teeth-brushing routine, taking extra care around loose baby teeth or sensitive areas.

Sometimes an adult tooth will come through before the baby tooth has fallen out. If the baby tooth hasn’t fallen out within 2-3 months, see your dentist.

How to take care of children’s teeth.

Brushing teeth is important for keeping teeth clean and preventing bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. At this age, your child probably doesn’t need your help to clean their teeth anymore. But if your child needs a reminder, here are the basic steps:

1. Use a pea-sized amount of regular adult fluoride toothpaste.
2. Aim the toothbrush at a 45° angle to the gumline. If you’re using a manual toothbrush, move the brush in small, gentle circles. If you’re using an electric toothbrush, move the brush gently across the teeth, spending a few seconds on each tooth.
3. Start with the top teeth. Brush the outside surface of the teeth and along the gumline, one tooth at a time. Then brush the inside surface of the teeth and gums, one tooth at a time.
4. Move to the bottom teeth and repeat the step above.
5. Brush along the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
6. Gently brush the tongue.
7. Brush for around 2 minutes.
8. Spit out the toothpaste as you clean. There’s no need to rinse with water. Any leftover fluoride toothpaste helps to build strong, healthy teeth.

If your child’s teeth sit tightly against each other, your child can use waxed dental floss to clean between their teeth once a day. Your child might still need your help to do this.

Choosing a toothbrush

When you and your child are choosing a toothbrush, you can look for the following:

• Soft bristles – these won’t damage your child’s gums or the surfaces of your child’s teeth.
• A small head – this will make it easy for your child to move the toothbrush around their mouth, one tooth at a time.
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Electric and manual toothbrushes are equally good if your child uses them properly to clean all the surfaces of all their teeth. Electric toothbrushes can be useful if your child has difficulty with hand control. If you’re deciding between a manual and an electric toothbrush, it’s OK to let your child choose.

Keeping the toothbrush clean

You can remind your child to rinse the toothbrush with tap water after cleaning their teeth and gums. And your child should store the toothbrush upright in an open container to allow it to air-dry.

It’s a good idea to change your child’s toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles get worn or frayed.

Fluoride and dental health

Fluoride is a mineral that keeps teeth strong and prevents tooth decay. Fluoride is safe and works best when your child gets it in very small amounts throughout the day from the following sources:

• Toothpaste – at this age, your child can use regular adult fluoride toothpaste.
• Tap water – most tap water in Australia has added fluoride.

If your household lives on tank water – have a conversation with your dentist or doctor regarding how to ensure you are all getting enough fluoride.

For children who are at high risk of developing tooth decay, dentists might also prescribe gels and pastes with extra fluoride.

Diet is an important part of preventing tooth decay. Encourage your child to eat healthy, low-sugar foods and drinks, and help your child to develop healthy eating habits.

Effects of smoking and vaping on oral health

• Vaping and smoking can impact your oral health.
• People who vape or smoke are at a higher risk of developing mouth cancer (oral), gum problems, losing teeth, getting decay on teeth, and having complications after tooth removal and oral surgery.
• If you smoke or vape, it is important to look after your oral health to prevent dental problems and gum disease.
• Visit your dentist regularly. They can give advice about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy and do regular oral health and mouth cancer checks.
• Speak to your doctor or dentist about quitting vaping and smoking.

The school has a small supply of toothbrushes and toothpaste.  These can be accessed on a Monday through our school nurse. 

Ref: RAISING Children’s Network                                                              

https://raisingchildren.net.au/

Carla Lang

Secondary School Nurse