How To Maintain Oral Hygiene In Young Children?

Tooth decay is the most common dental problem in young children. If you have a child at home, you can understand how often they are prone to develop this disorder. Children though look cute when they have a mouthful of candies but remember there will be repercussions on a much wider scale. Henceforth, remember to maintain a healthy oral routine of your child to ensure oral hygiene because it solely depends on how you can seriously and tactfully handle it.

What is the root cause of the cavity?

There are numerous reasons to point out when it comes to tooth decay in children, however, bacteria is one of the main culprits that cannot be ignored. Children have an affinity towards sweet foods, they can be seen running around all the time with one thing or other in their mouth, sweets, candies, or anything that has sugar. When carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are left on the teeth, tooth decay is inevitable. Milk, soda, raisins, candies, cake, fruit juices, cereals, and bread are examples of such foods that can reinforce decay. Bacteria that ordinarily exist in the mouth alter these meals, resulting in the production of acids. The combination of bacteria, food, acid, and saliva form a substance called plaque that sticks to the teeth. Over time, the acids made by the bacteria eat away the tooth enamel, causing cavities.

If not taken proper care of, tooth decay is imminent, ergo be cautious while handling your child’s oral care.

What are the signs and symptoms of a child’s dental decay?

It is important to be able to identify the signs of dental decay for oral healthcare. The signs and symptoms of dental decay and cavities differ from one child to another. You may not have any symptoms at all when a cavity is just getting started. As the deterioration progresses, it may produce symptoms such as:

• Toothache, often known as “spontaneous pain,” is discomfort that happens for no apparent reason.
• Sensitive teeth
• Pain that ranges from mild to severe while eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold.
• Teeth with visible holes or pits
• Any surface of a tooth might be stained brown, black, or white.
• When you bite down, it hurts.

Children may be unaware that they have one until their dentist discovers it. Therefore the parent must take proper care of their oral health and make sure frequent visits to the dentist.

Which kids are most susceptible to dental decay?

Bacteria exist in zillions in our mouth, some favorable to our health and others that threaten our physical well-being. Bacteria that live on sweet food can create cavities in high concentrations. Naturally, children are not aware of it, as a result, all children are more susceptible to tooth decay. In addition, the following factors may increase your child’s risk:

1. A high-sugar, high-starch diet
2. Fluoride-free or low-fluoride drinking water
3. Oral hygiene issues

How to prevent dental decay in your child?

Instilling good dental practices is the savior of your child’s oral health. Teaching your child healthy dental habits is the best approach to protect their teeth. With the right guidance, he’ll easily incorporate good dental hygiene into his everyday practice. While he may be a willing participant, he lacks the control and concentration necessary to clean his teeth on his own.

Other ways to prevent tooth decay in your child

1. As soon as the first one appears, begin brushing your child’s teeth. Brush the teeth, tongue, and gums twice a day. Also, observe your child brushing his or her teeth and teach them the appropriate way.
2. Use only a small amount of toothpaste, around the size of a grain of rice, on youngsters under the age of three. Your youngster can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste starting at the age of three.
3. After the age of two, floss your child’s teeth every day.
4. By not sharing eating utensils, you can prevent bacteria from spreading from your mouth to your child’s.
5. If your child drinks from a bottle before bedtime, only fill it with water. Sugars in juices and formulas can cause tooth decay.
6. Ascertain that your youngster consumes a well-balanced diet. Snacks that are sticky and heavy in sweets, such as chips, candies, cookies, and cake, should be avoided.
7. Schedule your child’s dental cleanings and exams every six months.
8. Use effective products. Browse products by Purexa to know how they can tackle each oral problem.