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The human body is incredibly fascinating and that includes our teeth. Fortunately, it’s extremely easy and affordable now to access to quality dental care and hygiene methods in most parts of the world which has led to healthier children and this affects their oral development as well.
To help keep your kids interested in their oral health, we are going to take a look at some fun facts about children’s oral health:
Sweet Food Alone Doesn’t Cause Decay- bacteria will feed on small sugar deposits on teeth and gums, so they will rapidly multiply. After digesting sugar, bacteria produces acidic waste and it can weaken the surface of the teeth. Although children don’t habitually eat sweet foods, dental problems could still happen if they don’t have proper hygiene routine.
Baby Teeth Have Thinner Enamel- baby teeth, or deciduous teeth, have thinner enamel compared to permanent teeth. So, it is far more likely for children to develop cavities in these teeth. Before baby teeth are lost and they get replaced, it’s important to visit a dentist every six months for periodical check-up.
Yellow Is The Sign Of Decay- obviously, most children don’t have coffee stains on their teeth. Naturally, enamel is white and if their teeth have a yellow tint, it is an indication of decay. If the condition isn’t rectified soon, it may develop into painful cavities.
There Are More Than Three Hundred Different Species Of Oral Bacteria- just a small piece of plaque may contain millions of bacteria, consisted of hundreds of different bacteria species. The real culprit of teeth damage is Streptococcus mutans. It converts sugar and other simple carbs into damaging acids.
The above facts highlight the importance of proper dental hygiene routines. Parents should do the following to ensure the oral and dental health of their children:
Get Regular Check-Ups- parents should visit a dentist six months after the first growth of teeth, with subsequent check-ups every six months.
Teach Good Oral Hygiene Habits- parents can use soft washcloths to clean the teeth of their babies. Toddlers should be taught to brush from the get-go as soon as they can hold and use a toothbrush.
Don’t Let Toddler Sleep With A Bottle Of Milk- it’s a common practice for parents to let their toddlers sleep with a bottle of formula or milk clinging to their mouth. Milk is highly nutritious but it will turn acidic quickly due to bacterial presence.
Ditch The Pacifier As Soon As Possible- a pacifier is just a tool to simulate breastfeeding and keep children calm. Parents shouldn’t rely on pacifiers too much as they can alter the shape of the still-growing mouth. Parents should gradually stop the use of pacifier after children are 2 years old.
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