Since ancient times, our ancestors have placed great importance on the health of one’s teeth and hair, which is reflected in the saying, "Teeth and hair are the roots of a person." This is the first impression used to assess a person's beauty, and it indirectly reflects your health as well. Over time, as society has developed and living standards have improved, dental care has become increasingly important. Children, in particular, are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay.
Currently, tooth decay among school-aged children is becoming increasingly common. Statistics show that about 85% of children aged 6 to 8 years suffer from tooth decay, with an average of 6 decayed teeth per child. Primary teeth have a fragile structure, making them soft and susceptible to the effects of bacteria in the mouth, which makes them particularly prone to decay. During this time, parents should pay attention to guiding their children in maintaining good oral hygiene. Primary teeth not only help children chew food but also support the development of jaw bones and hold the positions for permanent teeth to grow in later.
1. Causes of Tooth Decay
Poor oral care and hygiene practices after meals and before bedtime are not done consistently.
Additionally, improper tooth brushing can not only fail to prevent bacteria from invading but can also cause gum damage and gingivitis.
School-aged children often snack on foods high in sugar and consume sugary drinks. Failing to clean their mouths after eating gives harmful bacteria an opportunity to thrive.
Children often lack the habit of regularly checking their oral health and may only inform their parents when they experience pain, by which time the tooth decay may have already progressed.
Poor oral care is a cause of tooth decay
2. Effective Prevention and Treatment of Tooth Decay for Children
Good oral hygiene can help us avoid tooth decay. Here are some tips to help prevent cavities:
Maintain Clean Oral Hygiene
Flossing: After meals, clean between the teeth with dental floss. Food particles can remain trapped in the spaces between teeth, and brushing alone may not be sufficient. Flossing helps clean the areas below the gum line, making it an essential step after brushing.
Brushing: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, ensuring to clean the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of all teeth.
Mouthwash: Use a 0.9% sodium chloride saline mouthwash or mouthwash containing sodium fluoride, which can help eliminate bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Schedule regular check-ups every six months for children, even if parents feel their child is healthy. Dentists can help detect any early dental issues.
Dietary Habits
Ensure a daily intake of vitamins C and B12 in your child's diet.
Limit the consumption of overly sweet foods and sugary drinks like cola and Pepsi.
Adequate nutrition helps prevent tooth decay
Dental Filling
Dental fillings are a commonly used method today. They provide a quick solution for cavities when detected early and are cost-effective.
From the article above, we can see that tooth decay is a serious condition that should not be overlooked or left untreated. It can cause pain and negatively impact both health and aesthetics. Therefore, to maintain strong and healthy teeth free from cavities, you need to follow a proper and scientific oral care routine. Wishing you success!
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