ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S ORAL HEALTH
Our team at The Dental HQ is very passionate about children and their oral health. Maintaining the health of teeth & oral cavity from a young age will help your child a great deal in the long run.
On the occasion of Children’s Dental Health Month, we have answered some of the frequent questions we face when it comes to pediatric dentistry.
What is the best way to keep the mouth clean & healthy?
Brushing the teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste , flossing daily, & limiting intake of sugary & starchy foods should ensure that your child’s oral cavity is in best health. And of course, a visit to the dentist every 6 months will rule out any other possible problems with gums or teeth as well as a thorough cleaning provided by the dentist will protect him or her from cavities and gum disease.
What causes cavities?
When one consumes sugary foods, the remnants of sugar or starch on the teeth combine with certain bacteria in the mouth to produce acids. These acids then attack the enamel (outermost white layer of tooth), & eventually destroy this protective layer of the tooth and create holes in the teeth, which is scientifically called caries, or more commonly known as cavities.
Should I forbid my child from having all sugar containing foods?
It is not necessary to stop all kinds of sugar, we recommend choosing and serving sugars sparingly. A food with sugar is safer for teeth if eaten along with a meal, not as a snack. When your child chews his or her meal, the saliva produced helps neutralize the acids produced by sugary and starchy foods. Foods that are not easily washed away from your child’s teeth by saliva, water, or milk have more cavity- causing potential. Sugars found in fruits are safe for the teeth, while processed foods have sugars that may be harmful.
What is the most appropriate healthy & balanced diet for my child?
A healthy, balanced diet contains all the nutrients your child needs to grow , including one serving each of fruits & vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products , and meat, fish and eggs per day. Make sure that your child limits snacking in between meal & limits the intake of sugary foods & beverages, which are known to cause tooth decay.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
First, we recommend rinsing the irritated area with warm salt water and placing a cold compress on his or face if it is swollen. If you have any at home, give your child a painkiller and contact us immediately to schedule an appointment.
We hope that information was helpful!
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any more questions!
Happy parenting!
