Written By: Dr Meenakshi S. Kher | Updated : August 6, 2013 12:23 PM IST
With our changing lifestyle and food habits, dental cavities in kids are very common now. Absenteeism from school due to toothache is also rising. This is the first post in a series about Preventing Dental decay in children written by our expert Dr Meenakshi Kher, a renowned pediatric dentist practicing in Mumbai.
How do cavities occur?
The mouth harbors naturally occurring bacteria. Some of these are cavity forming. When a child eats foods containing fermentable carbohydrates (sugar and starch), these bacteria convert the carbohydrates into acids. The acids dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth to create holes (cavities) in them.
How can further tooth decay be prevented?
Every child's preventive dental needs would vary depending on the family's dietary habits, oral hygiene habits, tendency to develop cavities etc. The dentist has to work with the parents to devise a customized preventive dental programme for their child consisting of a good oral hygiene regimen, fluoride gel or varnish applications, pit & fissure sealants, dietary modifications and regular dental visits.
How soon should I start cleaning my baby's teeth?
The sooner you start the better! From birth until one year of age, wipe the gum pads and teeth with a clean damp cloth. Introduce a soft baby brush by one year. This can be used with a pea sized amount of non-fluoridated tooth paste.By two yearsof age, a pediatric fluoride tooth paste (500 ppm)could be started.Switch over to a fluoridated toothpaste containing 1000 ppm of fluoride once the child learns to spit, gargle and accepts the taste. (The municipal water supply in India is not fluoridated. These recommendations hold good when non fluoridated water is consumed. This is true in most parts of the country.)
Can my child brush his/ her own teeth?
Small children do not have the dexterity (motor skills) to brush their teeth effectively. It is recommended that a parent or care giver brush a child's teeth, until the child is at least 6 years of age. In older children, brushing must be supervised. Encourage your child to brush after meals and snacking. Teach older children flossing. Tongue cleaning with tooth brush or tongue cleaner is also a must.
What foods cause cavities?
Your child must have a balanced diet for his/her teeth to grow properly and for healthy gums around teeth. A diet high in refined carbohydrates will place your child at a risk of tooth decay. Starches include breads, biscuits, chips, pasta and other such food. And remember that sugar is not limited to sweets and chocolates. A variety of foods contain 'hidden sugars' and these could cause tooth decay too.
How often should I take my child to the dentist? Why visit the dentist twice a year when my child has never had a cavity?
A bi-annual (or twice-a-year) dental check up is recommended for children. Some children may need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or poor oral hygiene.
Regular checkups can detect a cavity early (long before your child complains of pain and needs extensive treatment). Periodical professional teeth cleaning remove debris that build up on the teeth, irritate the gums and cause decay. Fluoride treatments renew the fluoride content in the enamel, strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. Hygiene instructions improve your child's brushing and flossing, leading to cleaner teeth and healthier gums.
Your child may need additional fluoride, dietary changes, or sealants for ideal dental health. Orthodontic problems can be identified and timely treatment suggested.
The following tips will help your child be part of the cavity-free generation:
