Parents are responsible for teaching their children good oral hygiene habits. So here's some important information to promote good oral health from an early age.

What are the causes of poor dental health in children?

• Not brushing regularly: Infrequent use of the toothbrush leads to plaque build-up which, if not removed, turns into tartar, a yellowish substance that sticks to the teeth and can only be removed by professional care using appropriate instruments.
• Sugar: Obviously, it's among the main culprits, since it encourages the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay. Natural sugar is just as damaging to teeth as refined sugar, but naturally sweet foods such as fruit generally contain less sugar and are healthier.
• Not enough fluoride: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Using a fluoridated toothpaste is a good way to avoid a deficiency.
• Not visiting the dentist regularly: Regular check-ups by a dental professional can detect and treat certain oral health problems before they become serious.

In some cases, genetics and certain autoimmune diseases may also be factors.

Limiting sugar: an important key to good dental hygiene

As far as possible, parents should limit the amount of sugar in their children's food and drink. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:

• Follow the recommendations in Canada's Food Guide.
• Make water your child's main drink between meals (avoid fruit juices, fizzy drinks or other sugary liquids).
• Get into the habit of reading the ingredient list and nutritional facts table on your children's food packaging. You'll know if it contains a lot of sugar or sweet ingredients like corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, sucrose and fructose.
• Choose healthy snacks such as cheese, apples, raw vegetables or plain yogurt.

Is sucking on the thumb or fingers bad for the teeth?

Unfortunately, yes! Sucking on the thumb or fingers for too long a period can end up affecting the alignment of the teeth or jaw. So it's vital to help your child break this habit before the age of 2 or 3. Before this age, pacifiers are preferable to thumbs, because they make it easier for parents to control their child's sucking habits.

What can be done to prevent tooth decay?

The first tooth generally appears around 5 to 6 months of age. In all, children will have 20 baby teeth by the age of 2-3, and usually start losing them between the ages of 5 and 8.

Small children are not immune to the risk of cavities. As soon as a toddler has teeth, they can develop what's known as early childhood cavities, up to the age of 4. This type of cavity can progress rapidly, causing pain and complications. Symptoms to look out for include white spots or lines on the teeth, or brownish discolouration.

In addition to limiting sugar intake, here are some other measures that can help prevent tooth decay:

• Clean or brush your child's teeth at least twice a day.
• Don't let your child fall asleep with a bottle of milk, formula or juice.
• Don't kiss your child directly on the mouth.
• Don't share toothbrushes and utensils (even from mother to child).
• See the dentist regularly. The first visit is recommended within 6 months of the appearance of the first tooth, or around one year of age.

Cavity or stain?

Dental stains are often confused with cavities in your children. While the two conditions may be similar, there are differences. Tooth stains can be white, brown or black, and are often due to demineralization of the teeth or certain food substances, while decay manifests itself as cavities or lesions resulting from the acid attack of bacteria on the enamel. It's important for parents to see a dentist if their children's teeth show signs of discolouration or changes in texture, to determine whether it's a simple stain or a cavity requiring treatment.

Tooth brushing: still the best form of prevention

As mentioned earlier, tooth brushing plays an important role in preventing dental disease in children. Getting your child into this daily habit as early as possible can help maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.

At what age should you start brushing your child's teeth?

As soon as the first tooth appears, it's time to clean it with a damp cloth or a small toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste for children should be equivalent to that of a grain of rice or a pea. This ensures that toothpaste remains safe for your child, even if swallowed.

Around the age of 2, children can start learning to use a toothbrush with parental help or supervision. We recommend brushing twice a day, morning and evening, with a fluoride toothpaste suited to the child's age. Here are a few tips to make the process easier.

• Brush your teeth at the same time as your child (side by side), so they can learn how to do it properly by watching you, especially if you're in front of a mirror.
• Use an amount of toothpaste equivalent to the size of a grain of rice for children under 3.
• For children aged 3 and over, the amount of toothpaste should be equivalent to a pea.
• Teach your child to spit out excess toothpaste instead of swallowing it.
• Be sure to brush your teeth, gums and tongue thoroughly.
• Supervise tooth brushing until the child reaches the age of 5 or 6.

When your child has enough teeth to move closer together and touch, it's a good idea to floss after brushing once a day, until the child is able to do it themself, which should happen before the age of 10 with the right guidance.

What toothpaste is recommended for children?

Here are some important criteria for choosing the right toothpaste for your child:

• Contains fluoride: We recommend using a fluoridated toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears, to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
• The amount of fluoride: A fluoride concentration of 1000 ppm (parts per million) is generally recommended for children under three. For children aged three and over, a concentration of 1000 to 1450 ppm can be used.
• The flavour: Choose a toothpaste with a mild, pleasant flavour, like strawberry or apple, to encourage your kids to brush regularly.
• No sugar: Make sure toothpaste is sugar-free to avoid contributing to cavities.
• The advice of dental experts: Look for toothpastes that have been approved by recognized dental authorities or oral health associations, such as the Canadian Dental Association (CDA).

And don't forget to trust your dental professional!

The information contained in this health tip cannot replace the advice of your dentist or dental hygienist. It is important to consult them for care tailored to your child's specific needs. At least one visit to the dentist a year is recommended for everyone, young and old!

For more information on toddler health, talk to your pharmacist.