Do you supervise your child’s brushing habits? If not, they may be at risk of developing dental caries, or tooth decay, according to a recent study.

Tooth decay is now the leading cause of hospital admissions for children according to The British Dental Association.

Here, we’ll look at what the recent study found, and why developing good brushing habits early in life is essential for good dental health.

Unsupervised teeth brushing linked with oral health issues

A new study published in Cureus on 13 May, found that more than half of participants who had dental caries were not supervised when brushing their teeth as children.

The study surveyed around 150 minority undergraduate students, looking for a link between oral hygiene behaviours and oral health problems.

Approximately 40% of the participants reported untreated dental caries or bleeding gums. Interestingly, 59.3% of the students with dental caries hadn’t been supervised while brushing their teeth as children.

A high consumption of sweets during childhood and inadequate brushing duration were also linked to a higher prevalence of dental issues in adulthood.

Start good brushing habits early

Developing good brushing habits at an early age is important for long-term dental health. Teaching children how to brush their teeth properly and making it a consistent part of their routine can prevent all types of oral health problems later in life.

Last year, some of the team visited reception year children in Bristol as part of a Brush for Better Health campaign, and are planning further visits to help more children with their teeth brushing routine.

Our principal dentist, Cornelius, says, “The most important thing you can do to maintain your child’s oral health is to ensure they are brushing their teeth. Ideally, twice a day. Until the age of seven, children should be supervised while brushing their teeth to ensure it is done correctly. They should brush for two minutes.”

Supervised brushing helps ensure that children are using the right techniques and spending enough time on each area of their mouth. It also provides an opportunity for you to educate them about the importance of oral hygiene and establish a routine that includes regular brushing and flossing.

Regular dental checkups

Regular dental check-ups are important for maintaining good dental health in children. These visits allow dentists to monitor the development of your child’s teeth, identify any potential issues early, and provide professional cleanings that remove plaque and tartar build-up that regular brushing might miss.

By attending these check-ups, you can help prevent the onset of dental problems and ensure that your child’s oral health is on the right track.

For adults that might be concerned about their oral health, with regular dental hygienist appointments, we can remove any plaque debris and give you tips for maintaining your teeth and gum health.

To help maintain good dental hygiene, call our reception team on 0117 472 1600 to schedule an appointment for your family with us today.