A child's radiant smile reflects their overall well-being, and the basis for this joyful expression lies in strong dental health. Maintaining excellent oral health not only encourages healthy dental habits in growing children but also plays a pivotal role in their overall well-being and academic achievement.
Unfortunately, poor oral health can lead to discomfort, swelling, and reduced food intake, disrupting a child's daily life. Moreover, children with dental issues often miss more school days and achieve lower grades compared to their fellows with healthy smiles.
In Pakistan, cavities have become alarmingly common among children. However, it is essential to recognise that these cavities are preventable, and the solution lies in imparting knowledge about good dental health and hygiene from an early age. Dental hygiene should begin within six months of a child's first primary tooth eruption.
In Pakistan, it is disheartening to note that many infants suffer severe decay, primarily due to the practice of putting them to sleep with bottled milk. A study published in the Journal of the Pakistan Dental Association, titled "Experience of Early Childhood Caries in Children at Fatima Jinnah Dental College Hospital," revealed that out of 521 screened children, 261 had early childhood caries, with a prevalence rate of 50.1 percent. The study also underscored a significant relationship between the age at which brushing commences and the prevalence of early childhood caries. It shows that the children who started brushing at a later age had a higher likelihood of experiencing dental issues. Therefore, it is imperative to promote early hygiene care as a cornerstone of preventive oral health.
Prioritising optimal oral health in children, starting from birth, can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. In Pakistan, the increased consumption of junk food and sugary snacks, coupled with improper brushing techniques and misaligned teeth, can lead to plaque buildup and compromised oral hygiene. However, communities with access to fluoridated tap water have shown lower cavity rates among children compared to those without this benefit.
As children grow, their oral hygiene practices and routines evolve. For infants, it is crucial to clean their gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding and avoid allowing them to fall asleep with a milk bottle. Once the first tooth emerges, begin brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and plain water.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should have their first dental visit no later than their first birthday.
For older children, parents or guardians should supervise brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, ensuring they use only a pea-sized amount and spit it out instead of swallowing. Making oral hygiene enjoyable can also motivate children to maintain good dental habits. Allowing them to select a toothbrush with their favourite colour or cartoon character, choosing toothpaste with their preferred flavour, planning a fun activity after a dental appointment, and rewarding them for caring for their oral hygiene can all contribute to a positive dental experience.
Lastly, a healthy balanced diet is crucial for both dental and general health. Discourage excessive consumption of soda, sugary drinks, and junk food, and encourage a diverse diet that includes foods from all five major food groups: grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and dairy.
Keep in mind that if baby teeth are lost prematurely due to dental decay, it can lead to issues like crowding and other complications when permanent teeth emerge. Therefore, it is in the child's best interest to preserve their baby teeth until they naturally fall out.
In conclusion, nurturing healthy smiles in children is not merely about appearance; it is a fundamental aspect of their overall well-being. By instilling good oral care habits from a young age and providing them with the knowledge and support they need, we can set our children on a path toward a lifetime of radiant smiles and robust health.
