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When your child eats, food passes through the mouth and it meets the germs or bacteria that live in the mouth. These bacteria have sugars and starches found in many foods. If you do not clean your child's teeth after eating, plaque bacteria use the sugars and starches to produce acid that destroys the hard surface of the tooth. After a while tooth begins to decay.
Tooth decay is a common problem among children, worldwide. The mouth is the pathway to the body and it is also his vehicle of communication. If he has bad teeth, it can effect his social life. Children with unsightly teeth avoid smiling or speaking and gradually become introverted. So it is very important to be careful about your child's dental health.
One of the serious dental problems that occurs in childhood and is completely preventable is caries. Make sure that your child gets enough fluoride, eats right and is regularly checked by a dentist.
What is flouride and why is it important?
Fluoride is a natural chemical that can be added to drinking water. It is important because: -
It strengthens the enamel, the hard outer coating of the teeth.
• It prevents tooth decay.
• It helps repair early damage to the teeth.
• Sufficient fluoride ingestion promotes optimal tooth development.
The fluoride content in the municipal water supply varies from place to place. Water with low levels of fluoride can be a problem for infants. But, remember to consult your paediatrician before you start with any remedy.
Preventive Dentistry
Your child should get regular dental checkups after all his 20 baby teeth have appeared. The sooner you visit a dentist the better the chance of preventing dental diseases. Visit a dentist every six months or at least annually. Some children, however, need more frequent visits because of increased risk of tooth decay or malformed teeth.
Children with a healthy mouth chew more easily and gain more nutrients from food. They have a better chance of general health, because disease in the mouth can endanger the rest of the body. It also gives them confidence in their appearance. Taking care of this aspect of your child's development is your responsibility and one that requires only some commitment and basic knowledge. |
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