Parents need to teach their children about healthy dental habits while they are young. Healthy dental habits take time to develop, so it's good to start them young to keep their teeth far from cavities. Aside from teaching children what to do, parents must also teach them what not to do. Children may have simple habits, such as nail-biting or thumb-sucking, that may appear normal. However, unknown to many parents, these common habits may lead to adverse oral health outcomes. That said, it is crucial to prevent these bad dental habits before they turn into bigger issues in the future. Here are five bad habits that children commonly do that are bad for their health:
 

Your children’s oral health is easy to be overlooked, because most of the time, it doesn’t present significant problems. However, you should not forget the importance of dental health especially for children. Before it’s too late, start investing more in your child’s oral health so that they will have beautiful smiles and healthy teeth as they grow. Read on to find out four ways to keep your child's teeth healthy.
 

It is that time of year again- back to school. The summer holidays are over and the new school year begins. Oh well, never mind, it will be half term soon! Here are some useful tips on maintaining your child's oral health for the new school year:

1. Avoid sugary drinks. Fizzy drinks are especially bad. Did you know that a can of cola contains 4 tablespoons of sugar. Yes, that is correct- tablespoons not teaspoons.
2. Avoid snacking on processed snacks such as the weird and wonderful shaped crisps. These can be very sticky and difficult to remove. They also contain starch. A recipe for tooth decay.
3. Brush twice a day for 2 minutes. A timer is useful.
4. Use a fluoride mouthwash after brushing especially at night time. There are many children's versions available. They key is not to swallow- gargle for 30 second and spit. Do not rinse with water afterwards.
5. Use plaque disclosing tablets. These are ideal at night to avoid a pink mouth at school!
6. Visit the dentist and hygienist twice a year. 

At Progressive Dentistry, we offer FREE children's examinations with a registered parent. Developing good dental habits at a young age is vital- prevention is better than cure.