Dental Conditions in Children: Effect on Health & Quality of Life

Dental Conditions in Children : The whole health of a child depends on their dental health. Cavities, or tooth decay, are common dental disorders in children and are frequently brought on by eating too much sugar and not brushing their teeth properly. Plaque accumulation can also cause gum disease (gingivitis), which manifests as swollen and bleeding gums. Orthodontic therapy may be necessary for malocclusion, or misaligned teeth, while excessive fluoride consumption can cause fluorosis, which discolors teeth. Children may also have early tooth loss from decay or trauma, as well as tooth sensitivity.

• Know the signs of “Early Childhood Caries,” “Caries,” “Gingivitis conditions,” and their effects on a child’s health and well-being;
• How to prevent dental decay
• Comprehend how teeth decay
• Identify decay and other dental diseases and conditions
• Know how to prevent

How it starts?

• Streptococcus mutants
• Carbohydrates
• Acid formation
• De-mineralisation
• Tooth Destruction

What is Early Childhood Caries ?

• Severe and quickly worsening
• Any primary tooth in a child aged six or less that has one or more decayed (cavitated or non-cavitated lesions), empty (cavitated) or filled tooth surfaces.

What to see ?

• Mothers caries status
• If the child complains of sensitivity to
  •      hot
  •      cold      
  •      sweet
  •      food lodgment                      
  •      pain

Check for Normal Healthy Teeth :

Check for Early Signs of Decay – White Spots:

Check for Later Signs of Decay- Brown Spots

Check for Advanced /Severe Decay :

Check for caries 6-18 years

Check  gums :

• Red
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Plaque / calculus

Early Childhood Caries leads to :

• Severe Pain and Infection Transmission
• Dysfunction in speech and eating
• Delay of growth Adult teeth with crooked edges and a high risk of dental decay
• Costly and extensive dental care
• Difficulty chewing
• Poor nutrition
• Below average weight
• Distraction from normal activities including learning, missing school

Early Childhood Caries is infectious and Transmittable disease :

Transmitted from mother to baby

• Mother’s diet advice, a diet high in calcium to promote tooth growth
• Reduce the amount of microorganisms in Mother’s mouth with good dental hygiene and brushing
• Minimal risk of ECC in children

Infant  feeding habits :

• Breastfeeding is the best method.
• Don’t use bottles.
• No juice or milk to put to bed.
• Attempt to use a spoon and Katori.
• Drinking from a cup is encouraged on the first birthday.

Be mindful of what you eat :

• Steer clear of between-meal snacks and drinks.
• Limit eating
  • Jalebi,
  • Sweets,
  • Chips,
  • Kurkure,
  • Chocklets etc.

• Not Just What You Consume, But How Frequently
• The frequency of your diet matters more than its quantity.
• The acids you make last for 20 to 40 minutes.
• Water should be consumed after consuming sweets.
• Sweet Bank: gather all of the candy and consume it on a specific day of the week.
• Sugar Self-Control:
• Eat sensibly and avoid cutting off sugar.

Avoid saliva-sharing

• Cutting Down on Saliva Sharing
• Keeping toothbrushes separate and not licking a dummy before handing it to a child
• Refrain from sharing food, beverages, or utensils.
• Avoid letting the child put their hand in the caregiver’s mouth.

Oral Health Education :

• First tooth appears after being cleaned with moist cotton
• “RAISE THE LIP” Once a month at home to check for white/brown spots
• Parents use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth.
• Swipe, under two years
• Pea size 2-5 year age

The right way to brush :

• Brush with a short Sweeping vertical motion while holding the brush at a 45-degree angle with the bristles resting on the teeth and gums.

Take home message :

• Dental health and development depend on teeth, including baby teeth. 
• Early-life dental decay is a dangerous infectious disease. 
• In the presence of teeth, germs, and carbohydrates, decay occurs.
• Dental deterioration in early childhood is fully avoidable
• First dental visit by first birthday

Thanks and Regards

N.B. This information is suggestive only.