Oral health and hygiene in children are important as it helps to keep healthy teeth for a lifetime. Primary or baby teeth help to give the foundation for permanent teeth. Habits that start in childhood shapes how baby teeth and general health of a child will be.

Caring for oral health in children should not be thought of only when the first tooth erupts. Gum health is also important. Strong gums provide good support to the teeth. Good teeth structure and support gives children a strong boost for their speech development and thereby build self- confidence in them.

Factors which increase the risk of decay

Decay in teeth can happen even when the kids are quite small. They are caused by bacteria that reside in the mouth. Here are some factors that increase the risk of tooth decay.

Sugary food

The presence of sugar or sugary food in the mouth of children can trigger or speed up the process of decay. The use of baby bottle/ sugary juices and constant sipping of milk or juices by children will coat the teeth with sugary food. The bacteria will act on the sugary food and release acids. This acid will erode the baby teeth. If unchecked this can multiply and even damage the yet to develop permanent teeth of the child.

Besides sipping from the baby bottle, some children also like to snack. Most of the snacks have a high content of sugar in them. This will only add to the issue of sticky sugary food in the mouth. Quantity of sugary food and how long the sugars stay in the mouth all affect tooth decay.

Low water consumption

Another risk factor would be low water consumption. Many children usually drink milk or juices and this will limit their water intake. Encouraging kids to drink water after each meal will help to wash down or clean their mouths. Sugary food will not stick to the teeth. Gum development will also be affected if decay in the teeth is not taken care of. The gums will lose their strength and become unable to support the teeth.

Low fluoride

If the fluoride is low, that can also increase the risk of decay. Drinking water will also help in fluoride consumption. Children usually will get the required amount of fluoride from water. This will help in strong bone development. Enamel, the outer layer of the teeth that protects the teeth is strengthened due to the absorption in fluoride in the body. Water supplied in towns and cities usually will have fluoride added to them. If the amount of fluoride is less, then dentists will suggest taking oral supplements.

Poor cleaning habits is one of the main risk factors of decay. Consuming sugary food and juices, and less of water will help bacteria to act swiftly in the mouth. Right after the teeth erupt or even before, gums and teeth should be cleaned. Sipping water will help clean the mouth naturally. If the child has less saliva than normal, then sipping water is beneficial as it helps to keep the mouth hydrated. Dry mouth will lead to other dental concerns in children.

Promoting dental health in children

While cleaning teeth, parents can look out for a few signs of dental decay. White spots can be seen in children’s teeth. This shows that dental enamel is getting affected. Enamel is getting weakened and one can also notice teeth sensitivity in children. They experience pain and discomfort in teeth when they consume hot or cold food.

Other symptoms to watch out for is a change in colour of the teeth. These teeth can darken if the decay is more extensive. Pain will also be experienced in the teeth and gums. Watch out for signs of bleeding in the gums. All of this points towards tooth decay and the need for immediate care.

For maintaining and promoting good dental health, the first and foremost is practicing good oral hygiene. Good cleaning habits need to be introduced to children when they are young. Children as young as two or three years old can start brushing their own teeth. Parents can help them with this. Making it as playful as possible, allowing them to choose their own brush and paste will help to accept this easily. Flossing can also be taught to children, they can do it on their own once they are able to handle it.

Choosing and introducing good food habits is also important. Reducing the amount of sugary food and drinks will help. A balanced diet should be given to children. If the child is in the habit of drinking milk while going to sleep, that habit can be changed. Replacing milk with water will be a good choice to make. This will help to reduce the time sugar from the milk is in the mouth.

Dental consultations should be done as early as possible. This will help to promote good oral health. Checking if there is decay in the mouth is done through dental consultations. Children should be helped not to fear dental appointments. It can be discussed with them on what happens during dental consultations.

Decay in the teeth can be checked and treated completely if help from a dentist is sought at the earliest. Decay can be stopped before it spreads and the correct treatment can be done. Changes in food habits should also be done along with treatment to speed up good oral health. If the tooth is damaged beyond repair then dentists will suggest removing it. Placing spacers is suggested by some dentists. This will help to ‘keep the space’ for permanent teeth when it erupts.

It is important for parents to be role models for children. Parents can brush with children twice a day. Increasing the intake of well-balanced food and reducing sugars will help to promote good dental health. Parents should lead the children in taking up these habits. Taking children along for dental consultations will help to reduce the anxiety and fear they have for dental clinics. During dental consultations, discussions on the oral health of children can be done. Expert advice on how to change lifestyle and habits to promote dental health can be discussed with dentists.