Dental care in Kids: When? How? and Why?

Just like every other aspect of healthcare including dental care in adults, dental care in kids is also purely triggered when a cavity has already occurred or some problem has occurred and all possibility of preventive care has been lost. Dental care in kids, ideally, begins at the birth of the child. Yes, even before first tooth has surfaced and provided immense joy to parents. Dental care that begins at birth ensures a healthy beginning with respect to taking appropriate measures in oral care.

Dr Mitali

Few facts:

–          Primary teeth (so called milk teeth) form a strong basis for future permanent dentition. Milk teeth on average start to erupt by 6 months to 1 year and continue till 2-2½ year.

–          The first milk teeth to fall are the front ones from the lower jaw at approximately 6 years of age, and the last tooth to fall are the milk molars at around 12- 13 years of age, during which there is a lot of transition of them falling at various intervals with permanent teeth taking their place.

–          It is thus of extreme importance that these milk teeth are taken care of as they are not only required for chewing but also guide the permanent teeth in their place, growth of the jaws, normal speech and aesthetics.

–          Severe tooth decay may lead to pain and infection which may harm the permanent tooth bud. Early loss of these teeth may cause malalignment of the permanent teeth.

–          Hence managing of such decayed teeth becomes imperative, which may include taking x-rays (even of toddlers), simple restorations(fillings), root canal treatment, putting caps, extractions, space maintainersetc depending on the degree of tooth decay and history of pain and swelling, if any.

Taking your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and it familiarizes your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which means stress free visits in future. The first dental visit should be by the child’s first birthday or when the first tooth erupts. Following a 6 monthly recall at the Pediatric Dentist will help in being counseled on oral hygiene measures and feeding habits. Parents should make it a part of so called ‘Well baby care’. Inappropriate feeding habits often leads to a condition known as “Early childhood caries” or “Nursing Bottle Caries”.

childhood caries

Whenever the child is put to bed with abottle containing milk, juices, sweetened formulas or given unrestricted breast feeding, especially after the first tooth erupts in the mouth causes severe destruction of the tooth structure which leads to rapid dental decay.

It is extremely important to take good care even before the first tooth erupts.

–          Wipe the gum pads  with a clean, soft damp cloth after every feed.

–          Introduce a cup to the child and discourage the use of bottle by their first birthday.

–          Introduce a baby brush with a non- fluoride tooth paste by one year.

–          By two years, you can start using toothpaste with 500 ppm of fluoride and once the child learns to spit and gargle, and also when the child accepts the taste, switch to a 1000 ppm fluoride. All toothpastes will have the fluoride content written.

–          This can be used for children residing in areas with no fluoride/ optimum fluoride in their drinking watersEg: Mumbai, Pune, Agra. Many cities in India have fluoride levels in their drinking waters, which varies in ground waters/ bottled water. The permissible upper limit for fluoride in drinking water is 1.0 ppm in India.

Parents/ caretakers should typically provide oral hygiene care until the child is old enough to take personal responsibility for the daily dental health routine of brushing and flossing (the recommended age for flossing is 6 years by which the children develop the necessary dexterity).

Other preventive measures of tooth decay include:

–          use of topical fluoride agents in adjunct to toothpastes are fluoride mouthwashes, gels and varnishes specially in children who have been extremely prone to decay as an adjunct to brushing.

–          Topical application of fluoride gels and varnishes at the dentist every 6 months is recommended for children. Fluoride strengthens the enamel of tooth and makes the surface of the tooth hard.

Sealants– the chewing surfaces of the molars have deep grooves and fissures. There is a high tendency of food getting caught which leads to formation of cavities. Sealants are shaded or clear plastic applied to the teeth to help keep them cavity free. Sealants fill in the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, which are hard to clean, and shut out food particles that get caught, causing cavities. Application of sealants makes the surface of teeth self- cleansing.

Sealant

Dental decay depends on many factors one of them being DIET. Sugar containing foods are not just chocolates, but a variety of foods that promote tooth decay. Reduce the intake and frequency of refined carbohydrates. Avoid sticky foods and replace refined with unrefined natural foods. Biscuits, chips, breads which have starch should be avoided. If you replacebiscuits, chips for the snack boxwith cheese, nuts, fruitsit will help. Increase the intake of fibrous foodeg: carrots, oranges, green leafy vegetablesto stimulate salivary flow as saliva is naturally protective against caries. Give caries protective foods such as cheese, nuts, raw salads, fruits. Stimulate salivary flow with Xylitol containing chewing gum between meals for older children.

Mouth Guards- Mouth guards are a must for any child who is into contact sportse.g.football, martial arts, basket ball. They are made of soft plastic and fit comfortably to the upper teeth. Mouth guards are often customized and they are useful in protecting the child’s teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sports related injuries.

Dental Guard

Traumatic Injuries-In unfortunate accidents wherein the child knocks his/ her permanent tooth, it is extremely crucial to act immediately by replacing the tooth back in the socket and hold it with clean gauze. If you can’t put the tooth back into the socket, place the tooth in milk or saline and contact your pediatric dentist in either of the situation.

 

 About Dr Mitali:

Dr Mitali Kochar, M.D.S (Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry) has received her Master’s degree from the Bharati Vidyapeeth University- Pune in 2011 after obtaining her BDS in 2007.

She has various publications on clinical pediatric dentistry and has participated at various conferences.

For past two years she is working at an exclusive pediatric dental clinic, dedicated to rationally managing dental needs of children. Her main focus is preventive dentistry.

Mitali has just been blessed with a baby girl and we are sure she is going to practice what she is advising others about.

55 Responses

  1. Dr Chander Asrani
    Dr Chander Asrani April 15, 2014 at 6:07 pm | | Reply

    Dr Mitali
    Superb description of problems and their prevention. You are absolutely right. Preventive dental care is unheard of.
    Keep it up.

  2. Rohini Mirashi
    Rohini Mirashi April 22, 2014 at 4:42 pm | | Reply

    Very nice. wish someone held told me all this when my kids were born. 🙁

  3. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar April 22, 2014 at 11:53 pm | | Reply

    Thank you..

  4. mitali
    mitali May 4, 2014 at 10:33 pm | | Reply

    @ Rohini- to help for any query Thank you. Will be glad for any query.

  5. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 4, 2014 at 10:36 pm | | Reply

    @ Rohini- Thank you. Will be glad to help you for any query.

  6. Priyanka
    Priyanka May 4, 2014 at 10:45 pm | | Reply

    A must read for all mothers; thanks Dr. Mitali.

  7. saniya
    saniya May 4, 2014 at 11:28 pm | | Reply

    Too good! Knowledge that we quite required..
    Amazingly light thrown on preventive measures to be taken..

  8. prachi bhatia
    prachi bhatia May 4, 2014 at 11:35 pm | | Reply

    This is so informative and very well written ,
    Alignment of all the teeth along forms perfect jaw structure and a good jaw structure gives a good face cut.
    I personally had to get my permanent teeth removed and undergo allot of dental surgeries due to lack of awareness and my personal fear .
    Such a nice step to spread the world !
    Keep it up !!

    1. prachi bhatia
      prachi bhatia May 4, 2014 at 11:36 pm | | Reply

      Milk teeth *

  9. sonal bhatia
    sonal bhatia May 5, 2014 at 12:36 am | | Reply

    great job doctor!! the article sure helps to instigate dental care actions for the juniors… thumbs up!!

  10. Dr.Aparna Pandey
    Dr.Aparna Pandey May 5, 2014 at 1:42 pm | | Reply

    Very informative article…. keep it up Dr.Mitali… All the best

  11. Neha agarwal
    Neha agarwal May 5, 2014 at 1:52 pm | | Reply

    True … I try following ur suggestions with my kids . Younger one is really stubborn n does’nt brush properly .. Any suggestions or tips for her ??

  12. anushri
    anushri May 10, 2014 at 5:12 pm | | Reply

    wowie…fantastic blog dr mitali…will defi follow all ur suggestions here n many more ….would love to consult u in case of ne problems for my kiiddo……thnx for all the information…..

  13. Aanchal kochar
    Aanchal kochar May 11, 2014 at 3:49 pm | | Reply

    Great knowledge and can’t wait to keep reading more

  14. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 11, 2014 at 4:06 pm | | Reply

    @ Priyanka- Thank u very much.

  15. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 11, 2014 at 4:09 pm | | Reply

    @ Saniya/ Prachi/ Sonal/ Dr Aparna- Thank u. Im glad the article proved useful
    to u all.

  16. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 11, 2014 at 4:18 pm | | Reply

    @ Neha- It is indeed a task for the mothers to follow a routine for their kids oral health care. Brushing morning and night is not negotiable. Let them keep a separate brush if they demand to do it on their own. (Consider it as not done). You carry the brushing either before or after they wish to do it.
    For more tips on brushing – we will post the article soon.
    Thanks.

  17. priyanka jalan
    priyanka jalan May 12, 2014 at 12:16 am | | Reply

    Quite a gud and informative article mitu especially for all mothers ……….best of luck dear

  18. VINNY ARORA DAVE
    VINNY ARORA DAVE May 13, 2014 at 2:12 pm | | Reply

    Hi mitali love your blog…keep up the good work

  19. Namita Sharma
    Namita Sharma May 15, 2014 at 9:52 am | | Reply

    Truely v informative n vl defnetly help to tkcre nd prevent dental problems in juniors nw wth proper knowledge nd awareness spread by ur article…thnks mitali.

  20. Kavita
    Kavita May 15, 2014 at 10:19 am | | Reply

    Good job Dr. Mitali! Very informative!!

  21. anu vijan
    anu vijan May 15, 2014 at 3:36 pm | | Reply

    Too good ! Excellant job done.
    Loved the article.i am surely going to pass this to all my friends.
    Very imformative.

  22. anu vijan
    anu vijan May 15, 2014 at 3:37 pm | | Reply

    Too good ! Excellant job done.
    Loved the article.i am surely going to pass this to all my friends.

  23. Alka.choksi
    Alka.choksi May 15, 2014 at 4:07 pm | | Reply

    Very interesting and nicely explained.its superb…Alka aunty.Surat

  24. jalaja panicker
    jalaja panicker May 16, 2014 at 9:59 am | | Reply

    DR MITALI,
    Excellent write up!!!
    The information you have provided is eye-opening. Dental care is generally ignored until you end up with some problem. I think the present generation mothers should be aware of this info to help their children.
    Keep up the good work.
    Jalaja

  25. Reena Bhatia
    Reena Bhatia May 16, 2014 at 11:23 am | | Reply

    That’s a great information.. Earlier we were not aware of the measures to be taken to take care of our children’s oral health.. Thank you Dr. Mitali..

  26. Sameer Bhatia
    Sameer Bhatia May 16, 2014 at 1:55 pm | | Reply

    Hi Dr Mitali,

    Very well written article.Am sure this article will help all the mothers to take care of kids dental issues. All the best.

  27. pulina vyas
    pulina vyas May 17, 2014 at 12:51 pm | | Reply

    Very informative,every parents should know this .

  28. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 18, 2014 at 4:48 pm | | Reply

    @ Anushri- Thanks so much. U can contact me on happytoothclinic@gmail.com

  29. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 18, 2014 at 4:49 pm | | Reply

    @ Aanchal- Thank u very much..

  30. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 18, 2014 at 4:53 pm | | Reply

    @ Priyanka- Thank u so much.

  31. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 18, 2014 at 4:54 pm | | Reply

    Thank U Vinny! Hope it helps.

  32. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 18, 2014 at 4:57 pm | | Reply

    Thank U Namita. It would be useful for all the mothers/ caregivers to children.

  33. Sanjeev Sonali Bhatnagar
    Sanjeev Sonali Bhatnagar May 19, 2014 at 7:32 am | | Reply

    We are sure you will do very best in your life and will be an asset to Society.

    With all the best wishes from our side

    Sanjeev Sonali

  34. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 20, 2014 at 1:31 pm | | Reply

    @ Kavita- Thanks for the compliments. Do look out for more interesting articles In the near future

  35. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 20, 2014 at 1:34 pm | | Reply

    @ Anu- it is very heartening to know that u will share it with your friends. Dental care foundation should begin early in life and give importance to milk teeth too!!

  36. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 20, 2014 at 1:35 pm | | Reply

    @ Jalaja Aunty- Thank u for ur appreciation. Unfortunately it is true that first dental visits by 1 yr of age, preventive treatments, regular 6 monthly follow ups protocol has still not found its place in Indian scenario. This awareness for mothers/ caregivers should bring about a change.

  37. sunita bhatia
    sunita bhatia May 22, 2014 at 11:01 am | | Reply

    A good step for awareness! Keep it up, god bless:)

  38. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 24, 2014 at 5:10 am | | Reply

    @ Alka Aunty- Thank u very much.

  39. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar May 24, 2014 at 5:22 am | | Reply

    @ Reena Bhatia- Thank u. The awareness of oral health care for infants and kids is extremely important and will bring about the change in prevalence of dental caries.

  40. Dr Chander Asrani
    Dr Chander Asrani May 24, 2014 at 7:32 am | | Reply

    Mitali
    What worked for my grand daughter, is have one toothbrush for her in every bathroom of the house and 4-5 in her own bathroom. This way whenever she agrees to brush, bingo there is a brush. & she loves to choose and pick one of her fancy, that day, when in her own room.

  41. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar June 12, 2014 at 1:26 pm | | Reply

    @ Sameer- Thank u for your appreciation. I really hope it helps.

  42. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar June 12, 2014 at 1:28 pm | | Reply

    @ Pulina- Thanks so much.

  43. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar June 12, 2014 at 1:31 pm | | Reply

    @ Sanjeev Sonali/ Sunita- Thank U Very Much!!

  44. Dr Mitali Kochar
    Dr Mitali Kochar June 12, 2014 at 1:36 pm | | Reply

    @ Dr Asrani- Its an indeed a great way of motivation in kids. An a fun way too.

  45. Sonal bhatia
    Sonal bhatia August 26, 2016 at 7:42 pm | | Reply

    Dear Dr mitali,
    It’s a very informative article throwing light on rather common mistakes that mothers do… will now be more careful and vigilant with the kids oral hygiene and health. Thank you so much.

    1. Dr Mitali Kochar
      Dr Mitali Kochar August 29, 2016 at 12:26 pm | | Reply

      Thanks Sonal Bhatia….

  46. Tirth Desai
    Tirth Desai August 26, 2016 at 9:40 pm | | Reply

    Very informative and very nicely expained!

  47. Geetha Unnikrishnan
    Geetha Unnikrishnan August 27, 2016 at 10:25 pm | | Reply

    Awesome blog Dr Mitali!! Excellent description of issues faced by kids and ways to prevent them. A very informative article looking forward for more. Good luck.
    Geetha unnikrishnan

  48. Geetha Unnikrishnan
    Geetha Unnikrishnan August 27, 2016 at 10:30 pm | | Reply

    Awesome blog Dr Mitali!!
    Excellent description of issues faced by kids and ways to prevent them.
    A very informative article looking forward for more.
    Good luck

  49. Priyanka agarwal
    Priyanka agarwal August 29, 2016 at 2:07 pm | | Reply

    Gr8 article and very useful tips for preventive measures to be taken care at home. Good work mitali

  50. Gaurav Duggal
    Gaurav Duggal August 30, 2016 at 12:48 am | | Reply

    Preventive dental care is a mainspring of optimal oral health. Dr. Mitali you sure provide interesting & functional knowledge in which children really can sink their teeth into – your article. You impress upon the reader so simply yet effectively on the content aims to explore children structure, development and importance.

  51. nisha parmar
    nisha parmar August 30, 2016 at 6:14 pm | | Reply

    very informative article mitali…..thanks for sharing your knowledge with us…. thr are so many small small things which we tend to ignore but after highlighting the facts in ur blog..the oral health will b better taken care.
    thanks mitali

  52. Dr Deven Patel
    Dr Deven Patel September 9, 2016 at 7:52 pm | | Reply

    Dr Mitali.. Certainly a very informative article for all the parents.. It is very important to take care of a child’s teeth from the beginning to avoid extensive treatment in future..

  53. Disha
    Disha September 9, 2016 at 10:10 pm | | Reply

    I wish every parent reads your blog Dr. mitali.. It is a very informative article and we need to spread the awareness regarding preventive measures that one can take to prevent dental problems in their children..

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