PARENTS should take responsibility for instilling good oral hygiene habits in their children from an early age. Children all throughout the world are susceptible to caries, otherwise known as tooth decay.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Oral Health Status Report (2022) estimates that there are 514 million children worldwide that suffer from primary tooth decay. By emphasising good oral habits in children, parents can significantly reduce the prevalence of caries and promote lifelong dental health.

Let’s dive more in depth into what causes caries. Caries happens when plaque (sticky film of bacteria) accumulates on the surface of a tooth and reacts with free sugars (manufactured sugars and naturally occurring sugars) to produce acids that gradually erode the tooth. Frequent consumption of sugars, receiving insufficient fluoride exposure, and failing to clean your teeth can all cause caries, which can cause pain, illness, and even tooth loss. The good news is that, with the right habits, tooth decay is preventable.

You may wonder, “how can I achieve good oral habits?” Well, there are simple steps parents can take to help their children develop good oral habits starting with limiting their child’s intake of sugary drinks and snacks. Sugar is the main source of food for the bacteria that cause caries. When we consume sugary foods and drinks, the bacteria’s acid attacks the teeth, causing decay. Parents should encourage their child to drink water and eat healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables.

Another essential habit for parents to practise is to start cleaning their children’s gums beginning with the first meal after birth. Wipe gums with a soft, clean cloth twice daily, just after the first feeding in the morning and right before bed, to remove bacteria and sugars that could cause tooth decay. As soon as their teeth begin to erupt, begin brushing them twice daily with a soft, small-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child how to brush their teeth through songs and poems so that they can develop good brushing habits. Be an example, brush together as a family. If your child is under six years, always supervise brushing. The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommend only using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, and they should never swallow it.

In addition to these steps, parents should also set up a regular dental schedule for their children. Make a trip to the dentist as soon as the child’s first teeth erupt for an initial examination. Continue to set up routine visits as a watchful eye on their teeth as they develop.

After the child’s primary teeth start to erupt, schedule visits every six months starting at around six months old.

You may be ignorant to the possibility that a cavity is forming in your child’s mouth. That is why, even if their mouth feels fine, it is critical to have regular dental check-ups and cleanings. However, if they have a toothache or mouth pain, they should see their dentist as soon as possible and the dentist will recommend the best route of treatment.

Tooth decay is a common problem among children, but it is preventable. Parents play an important role in instilling good oral habits in their children. Brushing from a young age, limiting sugar consumption, having regular dental check-ups, and teaching good oral hygiene practices are all important steps in reducing the prevalence of caries. By taking these steps, parents can help ensure that their children have healthy teeth and gums for the rest of their lives.

This article was contributed by University of Technology, Jamaica, College of Oral Health Sciences student Arianne Lynch and dentist, lecturer Dr Meleka Daley. For additional information contact Dr Daley at mbeckford@utech.edu.jm.