How to Protect Your Child’s Dental Health

Hello, with the Children’s Day long holiday approaching, you’re probably planning fun time with your family. But don’t forget your children’s dental health too! You should be careful so that children who neglect dental care do not end up spending a holiday that should be joyful in pain because of cavities.

In fact, among people who received cavity treatment over the past five years, a significant number were children and teenagers under 20! Teeth begin to erupt from around 6 months after birth, and by age 3, all baby teeth have come in. This helps us realize how important baby tooth care is.

In particular, be careful about the common “bottle tooth decay” seen in infants. The habit of sleeping with a milk bottle in their mouth before bed can lead to cavities.

This happens because the sugar in milk stays in contact with the teeth for a long time. To prevent this, when putting a child to bed, it is better to put barley tea or plain water in the bottle instead of milk. And after feeding, get into the habit of wiping the baby’s teeth with wet gauze or a baby toothbrush.

Cavities in baby teeth are also a problem. Many parents think baby teeth will fall out anyway and neglect treatment, but this can also negatively affect permanent teeth. In particular, from around age 3, when all baby teeth have come in, children can easily develop cavities, so if a cavity appears, it is important to receive prompt treatment.

Also, sticky foods such as jelly or caramel, which children love, can cling to the teeth and promote the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, so be careful.

Attention is also needed for permanent teeth that come in between ages 6 and 12. Permanent teeth erupting during this period are not yet fully settled and are vulnerable to cavities, so it is a good idea to apply fluoride regularly. Fluoride strengthens teeth and is effective in preventing cavities.

Also, during the growth period, considering orthodontic treatment can be a good option. Starting braces at the right time can help straighten the teeth and support the growth of the jawbone.

Because children have difficulty managing their own teeth, it is important for parents to regularly check and care for their child’s dental condition. If you think there may be a problem with the teeth, I recommend visiting a nearby dental clinic for consultation.

With Children’s Day approaching, I hope you will also take care of your children’s dental health so that everyone can enjoy a happy holiday!