DENTAL cavities are some of the most common conditions that affect children and adults worldwide. Fortunately, cavities are preventable with a few healthy habits.

Good oral hygiene practices should be developed and incorporated into your child’s daily routine as soon as teeth have emerged into their mouth. Teaching your child the importance of good oral hygiene habits is an investment into his or her health, that will be richly rewarded for years to come. But, since children change their ‘baby’ teeth anyway, is it really necessary to take special care of them?

Tooth decay results from the action of acids produced when sugary food deposits are broken down in the mouth, often causing pain and discomfort that can adversely affect how children learn, play, eat and speak.

Infants, especially, grow rapidly and have high nutritional needs. These needs also grow from suckling liquids to being able to chew and ingest a wide variety of solid food. While breastfeeding is preferred during the first six months of life and has been shown to reduce the likelihood of tooth decay, an infant’s diet must evolve to satisfy their nutritional needs to one that will enhance their immune system while supporting their physical and mental growth. Vital to this transition are your child’s teeth.

A BRIGHT SMILE

Good oral health and a bright smile will do wonders for your child’s self-esteem. Children with dental cavities are more withdrawn and less likely to play and interact with their peers. Additionally, children will not perform as well in school if they are constantly concerned about dental pains. If a child’s temporary teeth are infected as a result of a dental cavity, it doesn’t necessarily stop at that tooth but could affect the integrity of the permanent tooth lying below. So, while by age 12 your child is likely to have changed all his or her temporary teeth, these teeth serve many purposes and are very important. Now then, what can you do to help your child preserve his or her teeth?

PRESERVING YOUR CHILD’S TEETH

Start by setting an example, show your child that you value your teeth by brushing and flossing twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste. When teaching them to brush use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft-bristled brush, brushing in a circular manner making sure to brush all surfaces of their teeth.

The chewing surfaces are those most often affected, so ensure that those are properly cleaned, and don’t forget to brush your tongue.

Explain to them the importance of taking care of their teeth and make it a part of their daily routine. Make brushing fun for them, let them pick out their own toothbrush, whether it is in their favourite colour or one having a beloved cartoon character. Encourage them to play or hum their favourite songs while brushing, not only will it make the task seem less tedious but it will help them brush for the required period of time.

REDUCING THE RISK OF DENTAL CAVITIES

If your child is at a particularly high risk for developing dental cavities, there are a few things you can do to stem the tide. Adjust their diet, minimising their sweet intake whether from juices, candy or other food. Wait 30 minutes after eating to brush, meticulously brushing, especially before bed. Visit a dentist as they might recommend placing sealants on your child’s teeth. Sealants provide a coating that cover the chewing surfaces of permanent back teeth forming a barrier more resistant to decay.

The dental hygiene practices developed from childhood will likely be those carried throughout adulthood.

Teach your children the importance of good dental health and put them well on their way to happy, healthy smiles for a lifetime.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. She is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica School of Oral Health Sciences. Dr Robinson may be contacted at 630-4710.