Poor oral health in children can stem from a variety of factors, including dietary choices, oral hygiene practices, fluoride intake, socioeconomic factors, and more. By addressing these issues and implementing preventative measures, we can help ensure our children grow up with healthy smiles that will last a lifetime.
World Oral Health Day 2024 (Photo: Pexels)
New Delhi: Oral health plays a crucial role in a child’s overall health, yet it is often overlooked. Poor oral health is a very big issue and can lead to a host of problems if not treated properly. They can be serious toothache, tooth decay and some serious infections. Poor oral health not only affects their teeth but their physical, mental health and overall self-esteem. On the occasion of World Oral Health Day 2024, Dr Srinivas Namineni, MDS (Pediatrics), Rainbow Hospitals, shared that knowing the reasons behind this issue is the first step in preventing tooth decay. In this article, let’s discuss 5 main factors that contribute to poor oral health in children.
Dr. Namineni said, “Poor oral health in children can stem from a variety of factors, including dietary choices, oral hygiene practices, fluoride intake, socioeconomic factors, and more. By addressing these issues and implementing preventative measures, we can help ensure our children grow up with healthy smiles that will last a lifetime. Remember, a healthy mouth is a gateway to a healthy body, and taking care of our children’s teeth is an investment in their future health and happiness.”
Reasons for poor oral health in children
Lack of awareness about oral hygiene: The most important and significant factor in poor oral health is poor oral hygiene. Brushing for at least 2 minutes and twice a day is a necessary first step for children as well as parents to achieve good oral hygiene and health.
“Parents need to lead by example to motivate their children. Inadequate brushing and flossing, not brushing can lead to poor oral hygiene. Children should also brush their teeth twice a day. In addition to brushing, flossing helps remove food particles and plaque stuck between the teeth. This part is often neglected by both parents and children. Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine can significantly reduce the risk of poor oral health,” he said.
High sugar diets: Children do not need extra sugar as a nutrient, and excess sugar burdens the child’s body. Kids are always prone to choosing some candy or sugary drinks over anything healthy. This leads to the consumption of foods high in sugar.
While access calories from accompanying sugars wreak havoc on their bodies, sugars can kill teeth if consumed frequently. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugar leading to tooth decay and other infections. Limiting the consumption of foods rich in sugar can help prevent poor oral health.
Avoiding dental exams: Baby’s first dental check-up should start no later than his first birthday. Regular SIX monthly dental checkups are vital to maintaining good oral health. However, many parents do not take their children to the dentist regularly. These visits are important for early detection and treatment of problems such as tooth decay, misaligned teeth and gum disease.
Professionals can diagnose problems before they become problematic. They can also give you and your children advice on maintaining good oral health and help prevent any future complications.
Lack of fluoride in toothpaste: Much confusion among parents about how much fluoride is good in toothpastes to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by making tooth enamel more resistant to acid attack.
According to guidelines from around the world, the minimum concentration of fluoride in toothpaste intended for children of any age is 1000 PPM. Children who don’t get enough fluoride, whether through community water, toothpaste, or treats, may be at higher risk for tooth decay.
Baby bottle tooth wear: For infants and toddlers, prolonged exposure to bottles containing sugary liquids can lead to what is known as early childhood caries or bottle tooth decay. This condition occurs when a child’s teeth frequently come into contact with sugars from drinks such as milk, formula or fruit juice, especially when they fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth.
Involuntary breastfeeding during the night while the baby is sleeping after the second birthday can also lead to tooth decay in early childhood. The first dental check up to the first birthday will be an opportunity to learn how to do bad feeding practices.
Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining good oral health in children. Regular dental checkups, proper brushing and flossing techniques, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and ensuring adequate fluoride intake are all necessary steps. Additionally, educating children and parents about the importance of oral health and establishing good habits early on can make a significant difference.
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