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They may not wear capes, battle baddies by the cover of night or know how to fly, but as far as childhood heroes are concerned, your local dentist ought to be up there with the best. They fight cavities, obliterate plaque, help prevent decay and polish little teeth with impressive efficiency. So why should your dentist be top of the Superhero selection list? We explore a little further.

1. Baby teeth are priceless
   Cleaning the teeth of your toddler may be a battle, but obviously keeping your children’s teeth healthy is a necessary (if not frustrating) pursuit. So why all the fuss about baby teeth if they’re just going to fall out anyway? The truth is that while essential for a child’s normal health and development, strong baby teeth also provide a solid foundation for a life of good dental hygiene. Losing those tiny teeth too early (especially as a result of decay) can have an adverse effect on everything from how adult teeth grow, to eating habits and self-esteem.
2. Safeguard that mouth for a life free of fillings
   Dental health has come such a long way in the past decade that your children may well get through life with all of their own teeth intact and not a filling to be seen. You may consider yourself an expert in teeth brushing – but seeing your dentist is the best way to safeguard the health of your little person’s teeth and ensure that any potential future issues are prevented. So whether it’s obliterating plaque or refining a brushing technique that will protect precious enamel, let your dentist be your ultra-knowledgeable guide (think of brushing those tiny teeth boot-polish style – gentle circles at the gum line, not manic scrubbing).
3. Explore your child’s access to free dental^
   Sure, you only get one set of teeth and looking after them is worth every cent – though seeing the dentist can be expensive. But thanks to the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), your child’s next dental appointment may cost exactly… zero. The CDBS is a means-tested initiative which provides eligible children with up to $1000 to spend over two years on dental services including examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings and extractions. All the more reason to acquaint those tiny versions of yourself with the dentist’s chair.
4. Prevention is better than cure
   Between July 2016 and July 2017, 2,500 children under the age of eight required dental treatment under general anaesthetic – an increase of 55% over the last decade. In NSW alone, a staggering 40% of children aged 5-6 years have evidence of largely preventable dental decay. Early childhood teeth decay causes pain, health risks, psychological trauma and significant cost, but empowering your child with the understanding of how to care for their teeth is the smartest way to keep their ivories in the best possible condition for life. Continue to supervise your children’s dental routines at least until they are in to their teens.
5. Smile bright, little stars
   Seeing those sparkling, cheeky little smiles? There’s really nothing better. Providing your kids with the right dental routines can really help boost their confidence. Self-esteem begins in childhood and studies have shown that having beautiful teeth can inspire a whole host of emotionally positive knock-on effects. Working with your dentist to teach your children the numerous benefits of dental health is the first step towards achieving a mouthful of pearly whites they’ll be proud to smile with for the rest of their lives.

Enjoy those healthy teeth. Find your nearest nib Dental Care centre and make an appointment today. With numerous locations offering a comprehensive range of services, it’s easy to find the exceptional care and expertise you (and your children) deserve.

Cavities are a total party pooper. One minute you’re feasting your way through a Sunday roast, and the next you’re clutching your mouth in agony, looking for an emergency dentist appointment. It goes without saying that your daily brushing, flossing and rinsing routine (paired with twice-yearly dentist visits) are essential for your teeth no matter what’s on your plate. Everything you eat and drink, for better or worse, plays a role in the development or prevention of tooth decay. So what do you need to consider before chowing down?

The Dairy Digest 

Excellent news – dairy delights such as milk, cheese and yoghurt are proud supporters of strong teeth. With a fancy mix of vitamins (including A, B12 and Riboflavin), minerals (including calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium and zinc), protein and carbs, dairy products play an important role in our nutrition right from the start. A protein in dairy foods called casein creates a protective coating over your enamel when combined with calcium and phosphorous, which then reduces the risk of decay. Just keep your eye out for any natural (and sometimes added) sugars that might be lurking in there too – just remember to check out the sugar content before checking in on the cheese train.

Get Finicky about Fruit

While fruit is full of goodness and bursting with vitamins and nutrients, it can also be highly acidic and rich in natural sugar. This sugar hangs around on your teeth, helping acid producing, enamel-eroding bacteria to thrive. The acid in fruits can also soften enamel, leading to erosion (signs of which include wear, sensitivity and discolouration). Fruit such as pineapples, mangos and oranges are high in sugar and acid – so eat them less often than you would low-sugar varieties such as berries, peaches, apples, watermelon and kiwi fruit.

Sayonara, Sugar!

It’s not a surprise that lollies and soft drinks are not so great for your dental health (not to mention health in general). Tooth decay begins when the bacteria in your mouth breaks down sugar and produces acid which attacks the teeth, weakening the enamel and leaving those teeth vulnerable to cavities and decay. So how can you enjoy a treat (or two) and keep your teeth top of their game? For starters, eat sugar in moderation and if you do decide to indulge, try to keep it to meal times. Rinse your mouth with water post-indulgence to minimise any trace of lingering sugar, and check in with your dentist twice a year. You see, plaque is a stubborn little beast. It starts building up after every meal and if not brushed away regularly, harbours bacteria that erode tooth enamel, causing cavities. While good dental hygiene is the best first defence, regular dental check-ups will ensure your teeth are strong and healthy for many food-savouring years to come.

What should you do next?

Find your nearest nib Dental Care centre and make an appointment today. With numerous locations offering a comprehensive range of services, it’s easy to find the exceptional care and expertise you (and your children) deserve.