Back to School: Getting Healthy Habits in place for Healthy Smiles

It is nearly that time of year again when our children are going back to school! Knowledge is power when it comes to creating healthy habits - for healthy teeth and happy smiles. Please see some hints and tips below:

Two minutes brushing, twice a day

Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste. For parents, it’s a good idea to watch your children until they are confident they can be trusted to brush for the full two minutes unsupervised. This usually happens around the age of seven.

Choose the right toothpaste

The flavour of toothpaste is no different to the food flavours your children enjoy, so let them pick one they like. Make sure you choose a toothpaste with the right amount of fluoride in it, no matter what flavour it is. All children up to three years old, should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million). After three years old, they should use toothpaste that contains 1350ppm-1500ppm.

Your child's diet

Get your children to pack their own healthy lunch and snacks for school. Avoid sugary foods and drinks and instead opt for breadsticks, vegetables and even cheese, which is a great choice as their helps remove harmful acid. Your children get a better idea of what is healthy and what is not, helping not only their oral health but overall health.

The right brush for children

Choose a small-to-medium-sized toothbrush with soft-to-medium bristles. This is the perfect size for your child’s mouth. Don’t forget to replace the toothbrush regularly, when the bristles become worn, and after illness.

Using a straw for drinking

Try to teach your children on the best healthy drinks to have in their lunchboxes, such as water and milk. If they do have sugary drinks, teach them to use a straw when drinking. This helps sugar and acid in the drink go to the back of their mouth and reduces the number of bacteria attacks on their teeth.

Know how much sugar is in their lunchboxes

Get in touch

Please also feel free to speak to our friendly reception team on 020 8563 7177 or 020 8563 7277 or find out more information about becoming a new patient »

In categories Practice News | Oral Healthcare