Research unequivocally demonstrates that the state of children’s teeth leaves much to be desired. The most common ailment is tooth decay, which affects not only primary teeth but also increasingly worrisomely, permanent teeth.
The main factors influencing this state of affairs include:
- Low quality of oral hygiene procedures
- Insufficient frequency of conducting these procedures
- Lack or insufficient number of regular dental check-up visits
- Inadequate dietary habits
- Use of improper toothpaste lacking fluoride
Fluoride and dental health
Fluoride is an important element supporting the health of bones and teeth through the mineralization process. It is an essential component of oral hygiene products. Effectively, fluoride reduces the amount of acids produced by decay-causing bacteria and limits the accumulation of dental plaque, which serves as food for these bacteria. Additionally, it disrupts the metabolism of these microorganisms, preventing the decay process. Even children under the age of two can benefit from fluoride-containing toothpaste. Therefore, our dentists at Warsaw Dental Center strongly recommend regular use of fluoride toothpaste for maintaining oral health.
How to take care of the teeth of young children?
The appearance of the first tooth is the moment to begin regular hygiene procedures. Parents should brush their child’s teeth at least twice a day – in the morning and evening – until the child reaches 7-8 years of age. The quality of these procedures is important to ensure their effectiveness. During brushing, only a small amount of toothpaste should be applied, and after brushing, the child should not rinse the mouth but only spit out the excess paste. Additionally, it is important to choose an appropriate toothbrush for the child’s age, ensuring the correct size and hardness.
If necessary, it is always worth seeking the help of a pediatric dentist. They are experts who provide support and advice. It is also important to remember that before the first teeth appear, it is necessary to take care of the child’s oral hygiene, including regular cleaning of the gum ridges and oral mucosa using gauze soaked in chamomile or boiled water.
For any doubts or questions, we encourage you to seek assistance from the specialists at Warsaw Dental Center. There you will find professional care and answers to all questions regarding your child’s oral health.
Need a dentist for your child? Learn what causes poor dental health in the youngest
Dentists unanimously emphasize that poor dietary habits contribute to the development of tooth decay in children. The biggest culprit is an excess of simple sugars in the diet. These simple sugars ferment in the oral cavity, providing a primary food source for decay-causing bacteria. An increase in the acidity level on the tooth surface caused by an excess of simple sugars leads to demineralization of the enamel, facilitating the penetration of decay-causing bacteria into deeper layers of the tooth. Products containing a combination of starch and sugar particularly favor the development of tooth decay.
The consequences of tooth decay in children can vary from mild to serious and far-reaching. It can cause pain, sometimes requiring the removal of primary teeth. Furthermore, it can lead to problems with chewing, digestion, and even speech. Later in life, it can pose serious orthodontic challenges requiring prolonged and burdensome treatment. In addition, tooth decay can lead to psychological problems such as complexes, dissatisfaction with appearance, as well as fear and reluctance to visit the dentist.
Therefore, it is crucial to take care of children’s oral health from the appearance of the first tooth until they have full awareness of oral hygiene. This includes learning to perform effective hygiene procedures, shaping proper dietary habits, and regular check-up visits to the dentist (at least twice a year). Do not delay making an appointment with a pediatric dentist – we invite you to Warsaw Dental Center. It is important to take care of your child’s dental health from a very young age.
