Welcome to our second Expert Insights interview. Today, we have Dr. Daphne Chua, a general dentist who is also a mother herself. She will share valuable insights and tips regarding kids' dental care, addressing common concerns and providing advice for parents and caregivers.
Hello Dr. Chua! When should parents begin thinking about their baby's oral health, and what are the essential steps in establishing a good oral care routine from infancy?
Parents should think of their baby's oral health from birth! Babies thrive on routines. Cleaning your baby's gums from birth will not only maintain good oral health, it will also ease the transition to brushing your baby's teeth when they erupt.
How can parents alleviate discomfort and maintain good oral hygiene during the teething phase?
A cold and clean washcloth from the fridge or teething toys will help to alleviate discomfort.
At what age should a child have their first dental visit, and what can parents expect during this initial appointment?
A child should have their first dental visit from when their first tooth erupts or when the child turns 1 year old. During the visit, the dentist will check that the teeth are in good health, give tips for good oral hygiene and allow the child to get used to the dental environment.
How does a child's diet impact their oral health, and what dietary choices can parents make to promote healthy teeth and gums?
A diet with a lot of sugar and acid will increase the risk of dental decay. Parents can also limit the frequency of sugar intake.
Eating 10 chocolates in 30 minutes is a lot less damaging for our teeth than eating 10 chocolates slowly throughout the day.
Avoid sticky and sweet food that tend to hide in the grooves of teeth for a long time. Schedule sweet treats to a fixed timeframe and brush their teeth after to limit the amount of time the teeth are exposed to the sugar. Do bear in mind to wait for at least 30 mins before brushing if anything acidic or sour is consumed.
How can parents encourage independence in their children's oral care routines while ensuring effective cleaning habits?
Allow your child to participate in their tooth brushing routine. For younger children, check on their teeth and help to clean any missed spots at the end of the routine.
What lifelong habits and practices can parents instill in their children to ensure a lifetime of good oral health?
Brush twice a day. Floss every night. And see your dentist every 6 months.
What signs should parents be vigilant about that may indicate potential oral health issues in their children, and how can they address these concerns promptly?
If you notice any white or brown spots on your child's teeth or if your child is complaining of discomfort or pain, please bring your child to a dentist for a check up.
What strategies do you recommend for parents to help their children overcome fear and anxiety related to dental visits?
Firstly, please do not threaten the child with a scary dentist to encourage good behaviour or oral hygiene. Describe the dental visit to them as a routine check to ensure their teeth are healthy. Bring them along for your own dental appointment. During that appointment, have the other parent explain what is going on. Having them in the environment will help them to familiarise themselves and will help to desensitise their fear and anxiety.
Is it normal for my child to grind his teeth in his sleep? It’s a habit that started when he was 2-3 years old, and is still going on now at 10. What should I do?
It would be a good idea to see the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist to eliminate any potential ENT problems which is one of the causes of teeth grinding in children.
Is there anything parents should be aware of in terms of childhood habits that may lead to dental problems in the future?
Here are some common habits that should be discouraged from a young age:
Thumbsucking
Prolonged pacifier use (beyond 1 year of age)
Ice biting
Nail biting
As a mum who is also a dentist, do you have any special tips for parents when it comes to cleaning their uninterested children's teeth at home?
Model good oral hygiene from a young age. Have your child watch you brush and floss routinely. Make brushing sessions fun! Singing, laughing and tickling can be part of the brushing routine especially for young babies and children!
You've reached the end of today's interview! Hope that the sharing above will benefit you and your precious little one(s). We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chua for sharing so much with us today.
–––
Dr. Daphne Chua is a general dentist in Singapore who graduated from The University of Melbourne. She is dedicated to improving oral health and making smiles shine! Dr. Chua hopes to provide personalized care and bring confident genuine smiles to each patient she meets. Beyond her work at Smile Dental Group, she enjoys fitness classes and precious moments with her 16-month-old daughter.
Wish to be featured or have any tips to share with our community? Drop us a note here!
All content from this website, including images, cannot be reproduced without credits or written permission from Multiples Matter.
