World Oral Health Day: Protecting Kids’ Smiles from Dental Caries

Bengaluru, March 19: 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. Hence, Dr. Prabhavathi H B, Senior Consultant Pediatric Dentist at Kinder Hospital, is providing comprehensive information on oral health.

What is 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.

Tips for Parents for Infant Teeth Care and Health Checkups
• Start oral hygiene practices as soon as the first primary tooth erupts, using a soft toothbrush and cleaning teeth twice daily.
• Educate parents on correct tooth brushing methods and techniques.
• Introduce solid foods between 6 to 12 months and discourage nocturnal breastfeeding after the appearance of the first primary tooth.
• Limit prolonged bottle usage, especially at bedtime, and transition to cup drinking by 12–14 months of age.
• Offer children whole fruits that are either cut or peeled rather than serving fruit juice.
• After six months, introduce mineral-rich cereals alongside breastfeeding for infants.
• Avoid giving cow’s milk to infants until they reach one year of age and instead focus on breast milk.
• Schedule regular health checkups for newborns to monitor their oral health and address any concerns early.

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