As a parent, maintaining the overall health of the child is an important thing to do, including addressing dental and oral health issues. However, unfortunately, not many parents are aware that it is necessary to introduce and teach children about maintaining healthy teeth and oral health from an early age. Not a few people think that children diligently brushing their teeth enough.
Even though there are various oral and dental health problems that can arise due to children not maintaining proper dental health.
Dental Problems in Children
Brushing your teeth on a regular basis can help children maintain healthy teeth and mouths. But please note that this alone is not enough. There are various disorders that can arise if your little one is not used to keeping his teeth and mouth clean. The risk of disease can increase if your little one rarely brushes their teeth and often consumes candy and sweet foods excessively, which is, in fact, a habit is prone to damaging teeth.
Here are some dental and mouth problems that are commonly experienced by children, including:
1. Cavity (Gigi berlubang)
The importance of maintaining children’s dental health from a young age cannot be overstated; children must become accustomed to having their oral cavity, tongue, and teeth cleaned so that they are less likely to develop cavities. The condition of cavities is also known as dental caries. Not adults; small children are actually more susceptible to cavities.
2. Gingivitis
Problems with the gums can occur due to poor dental and oral hygiene. Generally, gingivitis can occur in children ho experience a lack of vitamin C accompanied by poor dental care. Gingivitis is usually characterized by bleeding gums and canker sores. Not much different from dental caries, tooth inflammation is also caused by plaque buildup on the teeth.
3. Gum Infection
Gum problems can worsen if the child is not used to brushing his teeth properly and has poor oral hygiene, such as periodontitis. This condition is a serious gum infection that damages soft tissue, causing loose and falling teeth. Symptoms of periodontitis are marked by swollen gums, blackish redness, or pain when chewing.
4. Sprue
When children don’t have primary teeth, parents will definitely choose liquid or wound food or their children to consume. This is often accompanied by the parents assumption that cleaning the child’s oral cavity is not necessary. Even though it is very important to do this because a child’s gums and tongue are vulnerable to becoming a nest of bacteria and fungi, if this is left alone, it can cause mouth problems such as thrush, which makes children uncomfortable.
5. Broken Teeth
As a parent, you definitely don’t want bad things to happen to your little one, do you? However, as a young child, experiencing a broken tooth is possible. If this happens, immediately take the child to the dentist to find out if the broken tooth has reached the nerve or is still in the dentine. thus preventing other dental problems that may occur.
It is important to prohibit children from maintaining oral and dental hygiene to avoid these diseases. However, it needs to be understood that children do not yet have the control or concentration to brush their own teeth. Parents must supervise and assist their children appropriately.
How to Maintain Children's Dental and Oral Health
Some of these habits can be done so that children’s teeth and mouths stay clean and healthy, including:
1. Maintain Dental Hygiene
Children love to imitate what adults do. Therefore, parents need to develop the habit of caring for their mouth and teeth first so that their little ones can imitate them. Brushing teeth, for example, is a good habit that children should develop from an early age. Brushing your teeth regularly is the main way to improve oral health. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day.
2. Invite Children to Choose Their Preferred Dental Equipment
Inviting him to buy a toothbrush and toothpaste can be the first step to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Let the child choose a toothbrush and toothpaste that he likes. Apart from that, as a parent, you must understand better what content is best for your child. Help your child choose the best toothpaste for him.
3. Limit Giving Juice to Children
Giving fruit juice to children is good. However, it turns out that juice can also trigger tooth decay if consumed in excess. Especially if artificial sweeteners are used. Limit children’s juice consumption to no more than 400 mL per day.
4. Give Your Child Credit
If your child exhibits the attitude that he is used to caring for his teeth, there is nothing wrong with showing him some appreciation. For example, give children healthy snacks that they will definitely like.
5. Do Routine Checks at the Dentist
Checking with your child’s dentist regularly is also one of the right steps to maintain the health of your child’s teeth and mouth. But unfortunately, most children find it difficult to go to the dentist.