dental caries affects children in many country more than any other chronic infectious disease. Untreated tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems; such as eating, speaking, playing, and learning.
The good news is that tooth decay and other oral diseases that can affect children are preventable. The combination of dental sealants and fluoride has the potential to nearly eliminate tooth decay in school-age children.
A healthy mouth and teeth are an important part of a child’s wellness. So when should a child go in for his first dental exam? What’s the best way to take care of a baby’s teeth? How can you build good dental habits with your children, regardless of their ages? Here’s what you need to know.
Do you remember learning how to take care of your teeth as a child? Perhaps there was an upbeat rhyme that kept you on task when brushing, or maybe cartoon images of milk come to mind. Maybe you’re old enough to remember those red tablets that, once chewed, showed where you missed brushing. Though this time marked a turning point in your independence, the road to your oral health began much sooner.
Take the following steps to prevent tooth decay:
1. Take good care of your own oral health.
2. Take good care of your baby's teeth.
3. Never put your child to bed with a bottle or food.
4. Give your child a bottle only during meals.
5. Check to see if your water is fluoridated.
6. Teach your child to drink from a regular cup as soon as possible, preferably by 12 to 15 months of age.
7. If your child must have a bottle or sippy cup for long periods, fill it with water only.
8. Don't let your child eat sweet or sticky foods, like candy, gummies, cookies, or fruit roll-ups.
9. Serve juice only during meals and limit it to 4 to 6 ounces per day.
10. Make an appointment to have your child see the dentist before age 1 if you have any concerns, see any problems, or need more information.
Take good care of your children's teeth is never too later , and it is not only for childrens, also for adult is helpful. As the AAP and other children’s organizations report, tooth decay is the most common chronic children’s disease in the country. As a result, it is very important that parents work with their pediatrician to establish good oral health care from the first weeks of their baby’s life. Although most of us think of dental care in relation to our own dentists, parents will be working closely with their pediatrician even earlier than with a dentist.
We can also prevent the tooth decay with yourself. Choose drinks and foods that do not have a lot of sugar in them. Give your child fruits and vegetables instead of candy and cookies. Be careful with dried fruits, such as raisins, since they easily stick to the grooves of the teeth and can cause cavities if not thoroughly brushed off the teeth.
