The birth of a child is a time to rejoice. As the milestones are achieved celebrations continue-baby’s first smile, first word, first step and also the first tooth. Parents often report with a fear if their infant’s first tooth does not arrive by a certain time. They are worried as well as scared for their child and keep questioning regarding the teeth and its eruption time. If the teeth were so important at birth then why over the years some parents develop a mentality that; “milk teeth will ultimately fall so why bother about getting it treated?”

 

Importance of baby/milk teeth:

• Help children chew food easily and properly leading to better nutritional development.
• Help children speak more quickly and clearly, makes them more confident.
• Hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums thereby
  assuring a good alignment for permanent teeth.
• Make the smile esthetically pleasing. Who would want to smile with all black teeth, not
  even children.

 

 

Neglected oral and dental care can cause:

• Gum disease and Tooth decay
• Severe tooth decay causing swelling of the face
• Eating difficulties leading to malnutrition
• Pain leading to missed school days and sleepless nights
• Lack of confidence due to ugly appearing teeth

 

 

 

Ways To Protect Your Childs Teeth:

1.ORAL HYGIENE:

Supervise the tooth brushing of children under eight years of age. If they want to do it themselves, let them but still do a final brush for them when they’ve finished. Brush with fluoride containing toothpaste twice a day. Children over six can use an adult-strength formula. If the teeth have tight contact between them then use floss for cleaning. You can ask your dentist for demonstration for its use. Rinsing the mouth after meals is as important.

 

2. DIET:

A well balanced diet is good for the teeth as well. Sticky and sweet foods like toffees, uncooked noodles (chow chow), cookies, chips etc. have a tendency to cause tooth decay. Limit these food to be taken straight after meals, when the extra saliva created by chewing will cleanse the teeth. In between meal snacking can do more damage than having it at mealtimes followed by brushing or rinsing. Carbonated fizzy drinks also have a harmful effect on the teeth as these are acidic and can erode the enamel(outer layer of the teeth). 

Long term use of milk in Feeding bottles and improper oral hygiene can cause Nursing bottle caries in very young children.

Nursing bottle tooth decay

 

3. REGULAR DENTAL VISIT:

The first visit of the child to the dentist should be by the first birthday and then regularly every 6 months. Regular visits can help prevent dental diseases and in case any dental problem occurs, it can be treated before any complications arise. No pain always does not mean a good dental health.

 

To Think About:

• Is Your Child Underweight?
• Does He Avoid Eating Certain Food And Prefers To Chew Only From One Side? 

 If YES ---  have you thought about getting his dental check up?

Malnutrition in children that is caused by improper eating habits may be actually due to dental problem which doesn’t allow the child to eat properly.

 

Best to visit a CHILD DENTAL SPECIALIST

A child dental specialist/ Pediatric Dentist are a dentist with additional 3 years of specialized training. Like pediatricians they are dedicated to the needs of the children. Children are different from adults and so are their needs, so a specialist will be able to deal with the child more appropriately keeping in mind all the aspects of child development- psychological, behavioral, physical and mental.

 

By Dr Parajeeta Dikshit

Head of Dept, Pediatric Dentistry Dept., Kantipur Dental College

Consultant Pediatric dentist at Smile Square Dental Care, Maharajgunj

This information is not a substitute for professional advice and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. If you have any concerns about your child's health or wellbeing it is important that you seek help from your doctor or a health professional.