Parents need to be made aware regarding the significance of maintaining good oral hygiene right from a very early age. Paediatric dentistry plays an indispensable role in the prevention and treatment of any dental issues that might arise during childhood.
Since tooth-related diseases among children are most common, regular visits must be scheduled with the dentist as soon as their first tooth start appearing or before their first birthday. Children must be taken to the dentist at least twice a year for dental cleanings and check-ups so that dental problems can be diagnosed and treated right at the outset.
Effects of Poor Oral Hygiene on Children
1. Tooth Infections leading to withdrawal from family, friends, as well as teachers.
2. Children may become conscious of their smile due to the way their teeth may appear.
3. Face difficulties with concentration and learning due to their pain.
4. More absenteeism from school.
Six Tips for Safeguarding Children’s Oral Health from a Very Young Age.
#1. Prevent Tooth Decays and Cavities: Children must be encouraged to limit sugary foods and drinks as the bacteria that’s present in mouth thrive on sugars which coat our teeth as and when we eat and drink. Children must consume balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, etc.
#2. Commence Oral Hygiene Early: To ensure healthy gums, parents must use a warm cloth to clean children’s gums until their first teeth start to erupt. Once the teeth start appearing, an infant toothbrush with a minimal amount of toothpaste must be used to brush your child’s teeth to keep them healthy till their first dental visit.
#3. Stop Using Pacifier: Pacifier past the age of two can result in problems for your child’s oral health changing their bite and causing issues like overbite or cross bite. Such treatments require major treatments and visits to the orthodontist.
#4. Fluoride is Necessary: There are parents who believe fluoride is harmful so they keep their children away from it. But, fluoride treatment is effective for strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. Your child must use fluoridated toothpaste and obtain fluoride treatments once every six months.
#5. Teeth Protection during Sports: Your child must wear mouth guard for protecting the mouth during sports for preventing dental injuries.
#6. Educating Your Child: Your child must be educated regarding the significance of proper oral hygiene and its impact on their health. You must motivate your child to become responsible for their dental hygiene as they grow up.
Proper Diagnosis via AI: The use of AI in paediatric dentistry assists in making precise diagnosis and assists clinicians, dentists in devising strategies for setting up a right treatment plan for winning patients’ trust. Also, up-to-date imaging methods have now been incorporated into dentistry to ensure heightened efficiency and reliable treatment.
Conclusion
Good oral health practices is essential for parents to prevent onset of oral diseases. Good oral health can be best achieved through a collaborative approach which is inclusive of parents, dentists, dental hygienists, child care, and other people in the community. This approach must take care of risks for oral and other chronic diseases. Health practitioners like paediatricians, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, and nurses should combine oral disease prevention and oral health promotion into primary care. They must carry out oral health risk assessments, offer guidance and preventive care, make referrals to assist in establishing a dental home.
Paediatric dentistry along with healthy hygiene habits will ensure your child is equipped with healthy teeth and gums for life. Your child must maintain healthy oral health through the year and especially during summers. By following the tips outlined above, your child will be able to have a beautiful smile throughout his life. Hence, paediatric dentistry is crucial for maintaining great oral health in children as it is instrumental in early intervention, prevention, and education to ensure your children are able to maintain healthy teeth and gums as they grow.