Preserve the diamonds in your child’s mouth

Check the following story from DNA :

“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond,” wrote Miguel de Cervantes in Don Quixote over 400years ago. If the tooth in question is that of your child it is worth much more. Understandably, the first thing that a child is taught is how and why one should brush his or her teeth twice a day.

Despite oral health lessons dating back to one cutting his or her teeth, oral medical complications in children are on a rise. City doctors blamed it all on lack of awareness among children about dental care.

“Proper dental care begins even before an infant cuts teeth and it simply means proper brushing twice a day, rinsing your mouth after eating and going for a check-up at least once a year. If dental problems persist, it only means that the child is either not aware of this or is simply not following it,” Dr Kiran Betadur, dental surgeon, Apollo Dental Clinic, said.

The most common dental problem associated with children is that of tooth decay. A child starts losing his or her teeth at the age of 10 and that is when he or she is vulnerable to tooth decay.

“Food lodging in gaps between teeth is the main reason for tooth decay among children. Consumption of sticky food will lead to the accumulation of the substance in the gaps. If the mouth is not rinsed properly and no proper brushing takes place, these accumulations will only lead to tooth decay,” Dr Betadur added.

Parents have a huge responsibility in maintaining the dental health of their children. “During early childhood, parents should teach children how to brush properly and empty their mouth of toothpaste after brushing. Until your child learns to do this, use a fluoride-free toothpaste meant specifically for infants. The problem starts once the child learns brushing on his or herown,” said Dr Arjun Das, root canal specialist, Sagar Apollo Hospital.

Also, there are precautions that could be taken, like using dental sealants, to prevent tooth decaying. There are products available in the market that are tasty and not harmful,” he added.