A very common concern with the parents is children having cavities at young age despite the fact that they have been brushing regularly.
We understand that dental cavities is multi factorial disease that originates primarily due to lack of oral hygiene combined with other common factors such as high sugar diet and many more.
It has been commonly seen that children’s pattern of brushing is quick, inadequate and usually by themselves and not assisted by adults.
Young children have not mastered the technique and miss on “tough to reach” areas such as those in between the teeth and close to gum lines. These are the areas where bacteria reside and dwell on food that keeps getting stuck in.
In order to avoid this potential cause of cavities, brushing in children is recommended to be done, assisted or supervised by an adult until the age of ten to twelve years. Once all the permanent teeth have set in, children can be allowed to brush independently with occasional guidance and supervision.
Flossing, use of electronic brushes modified with interdental bristles or waster flosser are few good ways to keep the in between teeth areas clean.
Another common factor is frequent intake of food. Bacteria feed on food that breaks down into sugar. Any carbohydrate breaks down into some form of sugars which is a treat to bacteria. Bacteria feeds on these sugars, produce acid that soften the tooth and gradually forms a cavity. Frequent intakes increase the chance of such incidence. Thus, “Palm rule” that emphasis on breakfast, lunch, dinner and two healthy snacks in-between meals is advised.
Frequent intake of water to wash down anything we consume is another way to neutralize the pH in the mouth which certainly helps in decreasing the incidence of caries.
Thereby, Brushing alone does not prevent decays. It is the combined approach of:
1. “proper” brushing with Flouride toothpaste, supervised by an adult,
2. Flossing or interdental cleaning in alternate manner,
3. Proper dietary guidance and
4. Periodic biannual dental visits,
that can together successfully lead to prevention of dental decays at all stages in life.
