Oral Hygiene and Health for Children
Oral Hygiene
Dr. Atraya always stresses on the oral hygiene of children, for that reason Dr. Atraya has given a separate page to this topic. Tooth enamel is more susceptible to decay in children. Therefore habits promoting less production of acid in mouth should be highly encouraged. Parents should take time to teach children to:
1.Properly brush teeth twice a day
2.Floss daily to remove plaque between your teeth and under the gumline. Parents should start flossing their child’s teeth as early as at the age of four.
3.Limit sugary food, and rinse your mouth after eating the snack. Or even better try eating snacks with the meal. While eating food more saliva is produced. Saliva in the mouth helps rinse teeth and protects demineralization of the teeth.
Apart from these preventive techniques, Dr. Atraya recommends fluoride treatment and sealants for children.
Fluoride is one of the best ways to help prevent tooth decay. To get sufficient fluoride:
1. Use fluoride enriched dental products
2. Fluorinated water is recommended if you live in a non-fluoridated area
3.Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash if Dr. Atraya has recommended you to do so.
Sealants
Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the top surfaces (chewing surface) of a child's permanent back teeth. This coating helps to prevent food from sticking on the teeth. Applying a sealant is not painful and is performed in one visit.
Also, a diet that contains sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, calcium and phosphorous is necessary for your child to develop strong, healthy and decay-resistant teeth.
Once again, avoid sugary, sticky foods like candies, cookies, soft drinks, pretzels and potato chips. Avoid eating any food before going to sleep, as saliva production during sleep is reduced and does not rinse the mouth as much as it does during the day.