Exclusive: World Oral Health Day 2024: How To Protect Kids’ Smiles from Dental Caries
Every year on March 20th, we commemorate Oral Health Day as a reminder of the common tendency to overlook oral health, emphasizing that it should never be neglected under any circumstances.
However, particular attention should be directed towards infants, as they are more prone to getting dental caries.
In an interview with Boldsky, Dr Prabhavathi H B, Senior Consultant Pediatric Dentist at Kinder Hospital, provides necessary insights on oral health in children, how to combat dental caries and the neccessity for dental health checkups for kids.
What You Need To Know About Infant Oral Health?
Infant oral health refers to the maintenance and care of a baby’s oral cavity, including monitoring teeth development and ensuring good oral hygiene practices from an early age.
Why Infant Oral Health Care is Important
Infant oral health care is crucial because it plays a significant role in a child’s overall well-being. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to dental issues such as dental caries, which can cause pain, infections, and impact the child’s quality of life.
Causes For Tooth Decay In Babies
Tooth decay in babies can be caused by factors such as improper oral hygiene practices, frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks, prolonged bottle usage, especially at bedtime, and nocturnal breastfeeding after the appearance of the first primary tooth.
Precautions For Preventing Tooth Decay In Babies
To prevent tooth decay in babies, parents should practice good oral hygiene habits, use a soft toothbrush to clean their baby’s teeth twice daily, limit sugary food and drink intake, discourage prolonged bottle usage, especially at bedtime, and transition to cup drinking by 12-14 months of age.
Solutions For Baby Tooth Decay
If a baby develops tooth decay, solutions include seeking prompt dental treatment, such as fluoride varnish application, counseling on dietary habits and oral hygiene practices, and addressing any underlying causes contributing to tooth decay.
