Guide to Children Dental Care and Oral Hygiene

11 November 2024

Guide to Children Dental Care and Oral Hygiene

1. Do I need to take care of the baby teeth? They fall anyways!

Baby teeth, also known as primary or milk teeth, play a vital role in shaping your child’s face and ensuring that permanent teeth grow into the correct positions. These teeth are essential for developing proper eating and speaking skills. Taking care of baby teeth is crucial because they remain in place for up to 12 years and serve purposes beyond chewing. Healthy baby teeth support language development, jaw growth, and muscle coordination. They also contribute to your child’s appearance and self-confidence, making their care an integral part of overall development.

2. How does tooth decay occur in milk teeth?

Primary teeth have a thinner layer of enamel, the hard, white substance that covers and protects the tooth, compared to permanent teeth. This makes them more vulnerable to early childhood tooth decay, which can develop even before the first tooth emerges.

Causes

Tooth decay occurs due to bacterial activity and is more likely if teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids like formula, milk, juice, shakes, or ice cream, especially if proper cleaning isn’t maintained.
Early childhood tooth decay can impact your child’s overall health, leading to pain and discomfort that may interfere with their ability to sleep, eat, or speak. It can also affect concentration and learning.
Children who experience early tooth decay are at a higher risk of developing persistent dental problems throughout childhood.

How to Identify Decay

Early signs include the appearance of white spots on the teeth.
Over time, these spots may progress to light brown discoloration, signalling the formation of a cavity.
The affected area may darken further, and a visible hole (cavitation) may develop.
Sensitivity to sweet foods, cold drinks, or cold food can also indicate the presence of tooth decay.

By recognizing these signs early, you can seek timely dental care and prevent further complications.

3. How can we prevent dental cavities?

Cavities develop when food particles and bacteria left on the teeth after meals are not properly cleaned. This leads to the accumulation of acids that gradually weaken the tooth’s enamel, eventually causing a cavity to form.

Ways to Prevent Cavities

Establish Healthy Oral Habits Early: Encourage children to brush their teeth at least twice a day, preferably after meals, and to floss regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.
Be Mindful of Food Choices: Reduce the consumption of sugary foods, juices, and candies—especially sticky options like gummy candies, gummy vitamins, or fruit rolls—as they can damage enamel and contribute to cavity formation. If your child consumes these items, ensure they rinse their mouth or brush their teeth soon after to remove residual sugar.
Care After Sweetened Medicines: If your child takes liquid medications with added sugar, make sure they rinse their mouth or brush their teeth afterward to minimize the risk of tooth decay.

Consistent oral care and mindful dietary habits can go a long way in preventing cavities and maintaining strong, healthy teeth.

4. When to start brushing? How to do it on my kid?

Brush your child’s teeth at least 2 times a day. Use a smear of toothpaste with fluoride for infants and toddlers under 3 years old. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for older children.

Smear Toothpaste

Pea sized toothpaste

Toothbrushing Tips

Use dental floss to clean between your child’s teeth every day.
Do not put your child to sleep with a bottle. If they need a bottle to soothe themselves, water is the only liquid that is safe for the teeth. Check with your child’s doctor to see if this is a good choice for your child.
Give your child a healthy diet. Try to avoid or limit foods and drinks that are high in acid, sugar, and starch. These include things like chocolate, sweets, and fizzy or sugary drinks. Limit how much juice your child drinks each day.

Toothbrushes for Kids

For infants, finger toothbrushes are a great starting option.
For toddlers and young children aged 2-5 years, use toothbrushes designed for their age group, featuring:
- Small, oval-shaped heads with soft bristles.
- Non-slip, cushioned handles.
- Fun designs or cartoon characters to make brushing enjoyable.

Keeping Toothbrushes Clean

After cleaning your child’s teeth and gums, rinse the toothbrush with tap water.
Store the toothbrush upright in an open container to allow it to air-dry.
Replace toothbrushes every 3–4 months, or when the bristles get worn or frayed.

Toothpaste and Fluoride

Start using low-fluoride toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush from 2 years of age.
Fluoride is a safe mineral that keeps teeth strong and prevents tooth decay.
Fluoride works best when you get it in small amounts throughout the day from fluoridated tap water, foods, drinks, and low-fluoride toothpaste.

Brushing Technique

Apply a small, pea-sized amount (>3 years) / smear amount (<3 years) of toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for children.
Position the child on your lap, facing away from you, or stand behind older children. Gently tilt their head back against your body to get a clear view of all their teeth.
Hold the toothbrush at an angle toward the gums and use gentle circular motions to clean the outer surfaces of the teeth and gums.
Use the same circular motion to clean the inner surfaces of the teeth and gums.
Brush back-and-forth along the chewing surfaces of the teeth to ensure thorough cleaning.
Once all surfaces have been brushed, guide your child to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it.

Helpful Resources

Tooth brushing technique for children under 3: Watch Video
Tooth brushing and flossing for children aged 3-6: Watch Video

5. Can thumb sucking, lip sucking, and tongue thrusting cause dental problems?

Thumb sucking, lip sucking, or tongue thrusting are common in infants for emotional security and comfort. However, if the habit continues beyond age 5, when permanent teeth emerge, it can lead to:

Misaligned teeth (protrusion or overbites).
Malalignment of the upper and lower jaws.
Speech problems and improper word pronunciation.
Changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth.

Orthodontic Treatment for Thumb Sucking

Dental appliances can help discourage thumb sucking and tongue thrusting by making the actions more difficult and less satisfying.

Watch Orthodontic Treatment Video

Our Pediatric Specialist

Dr. Debarati Das

Consultant Pediatrician

Dr. Debarati Das is renowned for her holistic approach to child healthcare. With an illustrious career dedicated to pediatric wellness, she specialises in preventive care, chronic disease management, and the emotional well-being of children. Her expertise and empathy make her a beacon of hope for every family at Stepcare.

11 November 2024