Tips for Maintaining Children's Dental Health That Parents Should Know

Dental health is very important to maintain from an early age. Children's teeth need to be cared for to avoid dental health problems. Maintaining oral and dental health is one of the good habits that must be taught from childhood so that it can become a good habit when you grow up. This habit helps prevent caries and periodontal disease as we age.

There are several dental and oral disorders that children often experience, including:

1. Cavities

The condition of cavities, or what is usually called dental caries, Poor oral hygiene begins with the formation of plaque. Plaque that adheres to teeth is the main cause of cavities and gum disease. Children should be taught to clean their mouth, tongue, and teeth, especially after consuming sweet foods and drinks, so there is little chance that your little one will experience cavities.

2. Gingivitis

Generally, gingivitis occurs in children who have a vitamin C deficiency, accompanied by poor dental care. Gingivitis is usually characterized by bleeding gums and canker sores. Not much different from dental caries, gingivitis is also caused by plaque buildup on the teeth.

3. Gum infection

Gum disorders can get worse, especially if the child is not used to brushing his teeth properly and correctly and has poor oral hygiene, such as periodontitis. This condition is a serious gum infection that damages soft tissue, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Symptoms of periodontitis are characterized by gums that are swollen, red-black in color, or pain when chewing.

4. Thrush

When a child does not have milk teeth, parents will choose liquid food for the child to consume. It is necessary to clean your child's oral cavity because the child's gums and tongue are vulnerable to becoming a nest for bacteria and fungus.

5. Broken tooth

Broken teeth in children may occur. If this happens, immediately take the child to the dentist so they can find out whether the broken tooth has reached the nerve or is still in the dentin.

Parents have a role in providing understanding, reminding, and providing facilities so that children can maintain clean teeth and mouths. Considering the importance of healthy teeth and mouths, here are some tips that parents can do to help children maintain healthy teeth and mouths:

1. Explain the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and mouths using interesting storybook media.
2. Using cartoons and animated videos with the theme of dental and oral health
3. Play a song about how to brush your teeth properly while the child brushes his teeth.
4. Invite children to choose their toothbrush and toothpaste (according to the child's age).
5. Invite children to brush their teeth together.
6. Give awards or prizes. If your child shows that he is used to taking care of his teeth, there's no harm in giving him a little appreciation so that he continues to be enthusiastic about maintaining healthy teeth and mouths.
7. Have your child's dental health checked by a dentist. The first examination is recommended at the age of 12 months or within 6 months of the first tooth growing. This includes examination of the teeth, jaw, gums, and other tissues that are related to the growth and development of the child's teeth. For subsequent visits, as with adults, children should see a dentist every 6 months.

Hermina friends, don't wait for your child to experience dental health problems. You regularly check your child's dental health with a specialist in pediatric dentistry drg. Elis Nurhayati, Sp.KGA at Hermina Tasikmalaya Hospital.