Maintaining Children's Dental Health from an Early Age

It is important to take care of children's overall health, including dental and oral health. Maintaining oral and dental health is one of the good habits that must be taught since childhood. That way, this can become a habit and make children have a high awareness to do this for the rest of their life. In fact, this habit helps prevent caries and periodontal disease as we age.

Dangers of Not Maintaining Dental and Oral Health

Regular brushing of teeth can be one way to maintain dental and oral health. But keep in mind, that alone may not be enough, especially in children. Routines of brushing teeth, cleaning the oral cavity using mouthwash, and using dental floss are still not effective in avoiding disturbances in the teeth and mouth. This condition should not be ignored. Because, problems with the teeth and mouth can be fatal and affect the overall health condition of the body. Infections of the teeth or gums can spread to other body tissues. In severe conditions, infection can increase the risk of disease or disorders of other organs.

There are various dental and oral health problems that can arise if your little one is not used to keeping the area clean. The risk of disease increases in children who rarely brush their teeth, chew gum or sugary foods excessively, and don't drink enough water. In fact, these habits are prone to damage teeth and gums. Damaged teeth can cause pain, swelling of the gums, cavities, and even tooth decay in children. There are various types of toothache that may appear, including:

1. Dental Caries
This type of pain is common and often occurs in children. Dental caries occurs because there is a buildup of plaque in the area of ​​​​the teeth and mouth. Plaque is bacteria or dirt that sticks and lives in the oral cavity. Often, plaque appears due to food residue that is not cleaned or not brushing your teeth before going to bed.

2. Inflammation of the gums (Gingivitis)
Gingivitis aka inflammation of the gums can also arise due to poor oral hygiene. Not much different from dental caries, gingivitis is also caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. This infection causes the gums to become inflamed and makes the gums bleed easily.

3. Periodontitis
Gum disorders can get worse, especially if the child does not have the habit of brushing his teeth properly. A more dangerous condition can occur, namely periodontitis. This condition is a serious gum infection that can damage the soft tissue and bone that support teeth. Symptoms that arise as a sign of this disease are bad breath, changes in the color of the gums to bright red or purplish, swelling and bleeding of the gums.

Take Care of Children's Dental Health, Mom and Dad Can Do This

1. Help and teach children when brushing their teeth. When the mother and the child clean their teeth together, the child will be more motivated and imitate the example of his mother.

2. In addition, mothers can also pay attention to whether the way to brush their children's teeth is correct. Do not leave the child alone or only accompanied by a caregiver.

3. Use toothpaste with a variety of attractive flavors and colors whose formulas have been designed to be safe when swallowed. However, toothpaste containing fluoride should be given after the child is 3 years old when he is able to gargle.

4. Monitor the type of snacks children. Candy, chocolate, or other sweet treats can still be given, but still emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing before bed.

5. Take the time to see and examine your child's teeth. If this is done often, the child will not feel too strange when he has to be taken to the dentist. If there are abnormalities in the child's oral cavity, it can be found as early as possible.

The Importance of Checking Children's Teeth Early

There are many benefits of taking care of children's teeth from an early age. The sooner children start dental checkups, the greater the benefits they will have for the rest of their lives. Some of them, namely:

1. Children are calmer when they go to the dentist
Starting dental visits early will increase the likelihood that Sahabat Hermina's children will see dentistry as a routine part of their lives. This will certainly help them with their experience, to stay calm when checking their teeth at the dentist. Because if children are not used to going to the dentist, they may feel afraid or excessively anxious when they have to go to the dentist.

2. Educate Parents
In addition, early dental examinations are also beneficial for parents. Hermina's friends can know more about how to brush their teeth properly, recommendations for oral care, and can discuss directly with dentists about dietary and fluoride needs for children.

3. Overcome Dental Problems As Early As Possible
Young children are generally very susceptible to tooth decay. With visits to the dentist starting early in their lives, it will certainly increase the chances of detecting dental problems that can develop. Tooth decay such as cavities is the most common chronic disease experienced by children. By doing regular checkups, any cavities or other problems can be addressed as early as possible.

4. Prevents Tooth Decay
In addition to treating decayed teeth, your child may also need preventive measures such as sealants or additional fluoride applications. This is important, especially if they are at a higher risk of tooth decay.

An early examination will help protect teeth and prevent tooth decay in children. This should be considered by parents, because dental and oral problems can be very disturbing. The reason is, if the child is affected by dental problems, his appetite can be reduced so it is difficult to concentrate. In addition, home care is equally important to maintain the health of children's teeth and mouth. Get your child used to brushing their teeth twice a day, in the morning after breakfast and at night before going to bed. Don't forget to change your child's toothbrush every 3-4 months. Because toothbrushes can be full of germs, which of course can damage your child's teeth.

Therefore, to keep your little one's teeth healthy and strong throughout his life, parents have an important role in making visits to the dentist as early as possible. So, don't forget to have regular check-ups with the dentist every six months. Hermina Pandanaran Hospital has a pediatric dentist, do routine checks and check immediately if hermina's best friend's baby has complaints about dental health.