Neglect of Baby Teeth Can Cause More Harm That You May Think!

Baby teeth are as important as permanent teeth, and proper dental care of a child’s baby teeth is essential. Cavities, plaque, unpleasant odor, and tooth decay are some of the most common and chronic dental problems increasing among children at an alarming rate.

Effects of neglected dental hygiene

Pediatric dentists worldwide have always emphasized the importance of maintaining proper dental hygiene among children. Neglecting dental hygiene can lead to several problems for children, including the following:

1. Cavities and tooth decay among children are prevalent and is considered a chronic disease. It is highly infectious and spreads to other teeth as well. Sensitivity and pain are related discomforts.
2. It has been estimated by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) that about 23% of children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old in the United States have cavities in their baby or primary teeth.
3. About 20% of children ages 6 to 8 have untreated cavities and tooth decay.
4. The chances of children developing cavities in their permanent teeth are much higher if they have suffered from cavities in their baby teeth.
5. Cavities and tooth decay can cause pain, sensitivity, and difficulty in speaking and eating. Pain and discomfort can cause the child to lose focus on schoolwork and other activities.
6. When cavities are ignored, they worsen, and the deeper into the tooth they go, they affect the root. Such infections require root canals that can be very painful. Moreover, untreated tooth decay can lead to several oral infections, like abscesses. An abscess is a pus formation inside the tooth or gum that needs ER treatment. It can occasionally be fatal.
7. When primary teeth fall before time, they can cause permanent teeth to erupt incorrectly and misalign. Such problems often need corrective dental and orthodontic treatment.

Prevention is Key

Regarding dental hygiene, the adage, “Prevention is better than cure,” holds true. A few good hygiene habits, a little enforcement, and the ability to say “no” at the right time can go a long way in ensuring that children have healthy teeth – primary or permanent. Here are some things you can do.

1. Restrict free access to an excess amount of sugary food and drinks.
2. Encourage eating sweets at mealtimes so that saliva in the mouth can neutralize the acids produced.
3. Ensure that children brush twice a day.
4. Monitor children while brushing their teeth to ensure they clean them properly.
5. Avoid letting children sleep with a milk bottle or a sippy cup in their mouth.
6. Remember, even excessive fruit juice and breast milk can speed up the onset of cavities.