Oral Health for Babies and Children
When it comes to the oral health of babies and children, there is quite some misinformation available. It’s important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the facts and to avoid subscribing to the myths.
For instance, do you know the answers to the following frequently asked questions?
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Teeth
Is Fever a Normal Sign of Teething?
Many people believe that it’s normal for a child to have a fever, diarrhoea, or even rashes when they are teething.
But all of these are not a normal part of teething. They are signs of illness, and medical attention should be sought.
Are Baby Teeth Really That Important?
Baby teeth eventually make way for adult teeth, leading some people to assume that they aren’t important.
But baby teeth are critically important and should not be neglected “because they’ll eventually fall out.”
- Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth whilst the jaw is growing. The early loss of baby teeth can contribute to the crowding of adult teeth. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, and this can lead to increased dental disease in the form of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Dental diseases can be uncomfortable, especially deep cavities or abscesses. This is as true for baby teeth as it is for adult teeth.
- Children can feel embarrassed or anxious if their mouths show signs of dental diseases, such as obvious cavities or missing teeth. This can affect the mental health of children.
Does Diluting Your Child’s Fruit Juice Reduce the Risk of Tooth Decay?
Diluting juice does not significantly lessen the risk of your child developing tooth decay. Diluted juice still contains fruit sugar and acids. When bacteria in dental plaque consume sugars, they secrete acid, which can cause tooth decay. The acid from fruit juice can contribute to tooth erosion, sometimes resulting in tooth sensitivity.
Water is the best beverage to drink on a daily basis. Fruit juice is not tooth-friendly and should be an “occasional” drink.
Remember to have the child rinse their mouths with water after drinking sweet drinks or eating sweet foods (including fruits).
We recommend that you do not offer juice in a bottle. Bottle feeding should be reserved for breast milk, formula, and water.
Do Fissure Sealants Hurt?
Fissure sealants can be placed without local anaesthetic and without discomfort because they are placed within the enamel.
Do You Have Questions About Your Child’s Dental Health?
Dr Teo welcomes your questions about your child’s teeth and dental health. Please feel free to contact us if we may be of assistance to you and your child(ren).