Tooth decay is the most prominent dental disease among children. Sugary foods, poor oral hygiene, lack of professional dental care and snacking can contribute to the development of cavities and other concerns.
Infants can get baby bottle tooth decay, resulting in their baby teeth falling out prematurely. That's why we advise against letting your child fall asleep while drinking a bottle, especially if you don't clean their teeth afterwards. Prolonged exposure to sugars in milk and other foods leads to cavities, especially if your child's teeth and gums aren't cleaned thoroughly or regularly.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene
When we eat or drink, sugars from what we consume mix with the mouth's bacteria, creating a sticky film called plaque. Plaque is acidic, sticks to teeth and erodes enamel by breaking up the minerals in the teeth. Brushing, flossing and professional dental cleans are ways to remove plaque from the teeth and around the gums.
However, if the plaque continues to collect around the gumline, it can infect or inflame the gums. This is how many oral health diseases develop in children. Some dental conditions children face include tooth decay, gum disease, gum recession and premature tooth loss.
Preventing Oral Diseases in Children
Some ways you can prevent childhood oral diseases include:
- Brush twice daily with the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste based on your child's age.
- Floss between teeth every day to remove plaque and massage the gums.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and wash away food bacteria and particles in the mouth.
- Avoid sugary foods and snacks and eat a tooth-healthy diet.
- See the dentist for routine dental exams and cleans.
Ready to Book Your Child's Dental Exam?
At KidsSmile Paediatric Dental, our goal is to help kids smile! We invite you to contact us today to book your child's dental check-up.