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Are we responsiiblle parents regardiing Chiillds orall healltth care??

Dr. Manila Pradhan

We love our kids. Every pain that they suffer makes us cry over…but are we responsible enough when it comes to their teeth?? Or is it mere lack of awareness that makes us negligent. It is a common scenario in a hospital and clinic when a child is rushed in when he\she complains of excruciating pain. But, although it sounds complicated, If we take proper care, all of that can be prevented.  

So why exactly does a child complain of pain? Teeth are susceptible to caries even more so in a child. Our mouths are full of bacteria that build up on the teeth in a sticky layer (plaque). These bacteria digest some of the sugar in our food and drinks, making acids that can weaken the tooth enamel. Frequent sugar in the diet combined with insufficient tooth brushing mean that the acids from the bacteria stay in contact with the teeth for long periods of time, resulting in tooth decay.  

Untreated decay will eventually reach the center of the tooth and can result in an infection or toothache. Thus Tooth brushing is very important and it is imperative that every parent encourages their child to brush their teeth regularly. In fact regular dental care should start as early as 1 year of age with dental check up twice every consecutive year. Do not wait until the child is in pain to have a first visit to the Dentist.

There is a general concept prevalent among parents, that baby teeth is not that important since it will be replaced by permanent teeth. That is not true at all. The primary teeth (a much better phrase than "baby teeth") are far more important to your child's future dental health than you may imagine. Not only does it provide a proper chewing surface until age 12 or 13.Normal healthy primary teeth form pillars that allow young mouths to develop correctly. The primary teeth help guide the permanent teeth into their final position. Without the primary teeth, the permanent teeth, which replace them, could not assume their proper position in the mouth. Infected baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to develop improperly resulting in stains, pits and weaker teeth. 

Here is what we can do to prevent all these.

 You should begin cleaning your child’s mouth even before teeth appear. Teeth and gums should be cleaned at least twice a day. Clean the infant’s mouth with gauze after feeding time. After teeth appears use a brush to clean the teeth as much as possible. Since a brush will clean the teeth better. Select a very soft bristled brush. Take your child to the dentist regularly and encourage healthy tooth brushing twice daily. Reduce acidic or sugary food in their diet since it can cause the tooth to wear off.

 Tips Recommended:

•  Clean an infant’s mouth with a gauze or cotton after feeding.

•  Avoid putting the infant to bed with a bottle.

•  Begin brushing emerging teeth with soft bristled brush

•  Limit snacks between meals to 3-4 per day.

•  Bring your child for check up regularly as early as 1 every 6 months preferably.

•  Brushing should be supervised until age 8. A small circular scrubbing motion is recommended.

•  Toothbrushes should be changed every 3-4 months

•  Brush twice a day - after breakfast and before bed. Make this a habit for everyone

•  Set a good example by letting them see you brush and floss.

 Remember:

 We should all be responsible parents and bring our kids to the dentist preferably every 6 months for screening and check up. After all "Prevention is definitely better than Cure".

Dr. Manila Pradhan, Consultant, of Kumari Dental Care, can be contacted at: Tel: 4244236 or Email: kdc@info.com.np

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