How to reduce tooth decay in children?

• Children can be exposed to tooth decay because of sugary food intake and irregular hygiene, which largely depends on the caregiver.
• Fortunately, they are born with temporary teeth set for the first 5 years which eventually changes to more stronger, permanent teeth set.
• Long-term and serious damage to the temporary teeth set can cause problems in later life.

How do I take care of my child’s teeth?

• Reduce the total amount of sugary products and fizzy drinks.
• Most of these marketed products have no nutritional value, but the overt advertising and taste get the children hooked to them.
• If your child insists on sugary foods, give it after a meal, so as to not interfere with food intake.
• The sugary food when in contact with teeth helps culture bacteria and cause damage. Hence it’s logical to keep the contact to a minimum.
• Try to use a straw to drink sugary drinks.
• Don’t give sugary drinks to babies less than 6 months old. They are supposed to drink only milk.
• If they have a dummy, never apply sweet to it, as it lingers for a long time.
• Do not give sweet fluids like fruit juice, cola in feeding bottles or non-spill cups rather opt for open tumblers.
• Fruit drinks and fruit squashes should never be given at bedtime or during the night as these are particularly associated with dental decay.
• Don’t promote aerated Cola to children. They erode teeth even more.
• Once the teeth appear, you can clean their teeth with your fingers and clean water only by gently massaging them.
• Brush children’s teeth daily with a pea-sized blob of fluoride toothpaste.
• Tooth brushing should be supervised by an adult for children up to 7 years of age.
• Children should spit out the toothpaste, but not rinse their mouths after it.

Remember- Consult a Dentist for your child regularly by 3 years of age.