KEEP THOSE LITTLE TEETH HEALTHY!
One of the most common misconceptions is that baby teeth don’t matter since they’ll eventually fall out anyway. But, the truth is, baby teeth are super important to a child’s oral and overall health, and set the groundwork for his or her adult smile. Here’s what to do to get those baby teeth in tip-top shape.
Keep away decay
Avoiding early childhood caries (ECC) – the presence of one or more decayed, missing or filled surfaces in any primary tooth in a child who has not yet turned six – is crucial to ensuring your child’s future dental health. Not only has gum disease been linked to heart disease, diabetes and other ailments, but it can also cause premature loss of a baby tooth. Since baby teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth, losing them too early can lead to bite and alignment issues later on.
According to DR STEPHANIE SALANITRI of Smilefocus, baby teeth are especially vulnerable to decay because the enamel is softer and thinner than the enamel of adult teeth. This softness of the baby teeth means that decay can spread quickly, sometimes in as little as six months; which is why she recommends taking children for their first dental visits between 12 and 18 months, or when a child’s first tooth erupts. A quick check at this early stage, she says, will identify factors in the child’s habits and dietary history that may contribute to his or her tooth decay risk.
The main known cause of carries or decay is Mutans streptococci (MS), says Dr Salanitri. “At birth, a newborn’s mouth is sterile. One of the key risk factors for ECC is the transfer of MS bacteria from the mother or caregiver’s saliva to the baby.” And there’s a greater chance of this happening when the mother or caregiver has high levels of MS, as the critical age is approximately seven months, just before the teeth begin to erupt. Therefore, Dr Salanitri says, it’s a good idea to avoid kissing your baby on the mouth, and discouraging others from doing so as well.
It’s also critical to establish good dental routines at home early on, with daily brushing and flossing playing key roles in preventing decay, and reducing bacteria in the mouth that can enter the bloodstream.
“For infants, a damp gauze pad or wet washcloth can be used to clean an infant’s gums but, once the first tooth erupts, it’s time to use a soft-bristled brush without toothpaste. Massage the gums well, and check regularly for new small white or brown spots on the teeth, which may indicate tooth decay,” says Dr Salanitri.
As for flossing, she says once-daily flossing is sufficient and should start when the teeth fit closely together, usually between the ages of two and six. However, she adds that parents will need to help their children with flossing until they have the necessary dexterity (usually until around 10 years of age).
“The surfaces where the teeth contact are a common place for cavities to develop because it’s easy for plaque and food to trap there. Cavities in these areas occur even when brushing is good, if flossing is not also done. Even when the child appears to have gaps between the front teeth, these teeth will almost always touch at the back.”
How, you might ask, will you ever manage to floss your toddler’s teeth? Well, no one said it would be easy! It takes education and instruction from an early age to get children conditioned to floss, according to Dr Salanitri. Her recommendation? Use music to create enthusiasm for oral hygiene tasks.
“Playing a child’s favourite song while they brush their teeth can help them learn how long to brush and make the routine more fun. Everyone, big and small, should brush their teeth for about two minutes each time they clean their teeth. Encourage your children to pick one or several fun songs to play while brushing and flossing to help make the possibly ‘boring’ routine more entertaining.”
She adds, “Small children’s flossers are available from pharmacies. They are easier to use in small mouths than the normal ‘string’ floss, and come in fun colours and animal shapes.”
Smilefocus #08-02 and #14-02 Camden Medical Centre 1 Orchard Boulevard 6733 9882 | smilefocus.com.sg