How To Look After Your Teeth During Lockdown

One of the key challenges facing children during lockdown has been how to take care of their teeth while many dentists have been closed.

It’s been a tough year for all of us in different ways. And although there are green shoots of hope springing up with positive news about children returning to school, many people are still struggling to book appointments with their dentist.

At Thumbsie®, we know the importance of looking after your teeth and gums. It’s certainly true that a healthy child is a happy child.

Here are some top tips for taking care of your child’s teeth and gums:

1. Brush at least twice a day

We all know we should be brushing twice a day, but how many people actually do? According to the NHS, children and adults alike should brush at least twice a day to stop plaque building up. Plaque is a form of bacteria which can coat your teeth and lead to gum disease and even tooth decay.

Most people brush their teeth in their morning and before bed, but you can also brush after lunchtime too.

2. Brush all your teeth

Another top tip is to make sure you brush all your teeth – every one. It can be easy to just focus on the front teeth, but it is important to spend time on you back and side teeth too.

Each of your teeth need to be kept clean to avoid gum disease and make sure you have good oral hygiene.

Remember, also, to brush all sides of your teeth – inside, outside and the chewing surface

3. Take your time

Brushing your teeth is not a race, even if sometimes our children pretend it is! If you are brushing properly it should take 2 to 3 minutes. There are a variety of apps you can use to time yourself, or you can even use a stopwatch to make sure you’re taking the necessary time.

Children thrive on routine, so it is important to make sure toothbrushing is a set daily habit at the same time each day.

Does the advice depend on my child’s age?

A parent should start brushing their child’s teeth as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through. Children up to the age of 7 should be supervised when brushing their teeth. You can even turn it in to a game with rewards at the end.

The NHS advises that children of all ages can use family toothpaste, as long as it contains 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride.

And it’s important to remember that you never need as much toothpaste as you think. Children under 3 should use just a “smear” of toothpaste. While those between 3 and 6 need a little blob the size of a pea.

Other top dental tips include cutting down on sugary foods and drinks – easier said than done, we know! You should also make sure your child’s toothbrush has soft bristles as harder brushes can damage gums.

And – of course – book a check-up as soon as you can!

Thumbsie®are proud to be endorsed by dental organisations from across the country, and the globe, including the Oral Health Foundation and Growing Smiles.

We know that thumb sucking can cause dental issues such as mouth breathing, gum inflammation and disordered bite. Using a Thumbsie to stop thumb sucking helps to reduce the need for dental treatment and improves overall oral health. All of which means your child can focus less on thumb sucking and more on keeping their teeth nice and clean.