As school breaks approach, Sheffield dentist Dr. Jo Kearsley from the Dental Referral Centre in Dronfield stresses the importance of children’s dental health. “While occasional treats are fine, kids often consume too much sugar, leading to tooth decay, even in toddlers,” she warns.
With alarming statistics showing that many young children already have fillings and untreated cavities, Dr. Kearsley advises parents to limit added sugars to 20 grams daily—about five sugar cubes—and to reserve sweets for mealtimes with healthy snacks in between.
To promote effective dental hygiene during holidays, she and DenTek recommend the following tips:
Start interdental cleaning early.
Ensure brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day.
Maintain a consistent morning and evening routine.
Replace sugary snacks with healthier options like fruit.
Introduce interdental cleaning when two teeth touch.
Dr. Kearsley highlights that 77% of tooth decay starts between teeth, so incorporating interdental cleaning is crucial. Making dental care fun through sticker charts or songs can motivate children. By fostering these habits early, parents can help ensure their children develop a healthy smile that boosts confidence and reduces the need for dental treatments.
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