EDUCATION
enough calcium and magnesium. This will promote
healthy teeth and bone development,” she adds.
As children get older, they will start developing
permanent teeth in place of their milk teeth. “Most
children start to lose their milk teeth between the ages
of fi ve and six. Each child is diff erent though, some will
start developing permanent teeth as early as four and
some as late at seven.”
Krynauw cautions that even though children
might seem old enough to take care of their own teeth,
the responsibility for their oral health ultimately stays
with the parent.
“Remember the golden rule: if a child cannot tie their
own shoelaces, they cannot take care of their own teeth.
Make sure they understand the importance of oral care
and know how to take care of their own teeth before
handing over the responsibility to them.
“Children are always observing, so be sure to lead by
example and take good care of your own teeth. By teaching
your children the importance of oral care, they will continue
By teaching
children the
importance
of oral care,
they will
continue
to practice
proper oral
hygiene into
later life
teeth and gums. This will also allow your child to become to practice proper oral hygiene into later life. By doing so,
comfortable with the dental environment at an early age they will have better, stronger and healthier teeth as adults
and prevent future fear of going for dental check-ups. and prevent conditions such as tooth decay, receding gums,
“In order to protect babies’ teeth and gums, you need
to be aware of the variety of conditions and risk factors
that apply to milk teeth. One of the biggest concerns with
milk teeth in babies is early childhood caries, also known
as baby bottle caries, a condition which develops when a
child goes to bed with a bottle, usually containing some
kind of sugary liquid like tea, milk, or carbonated drinks.
“Babies often do not swallow the last bit of liquid
which causes the teeth to be coated in sugary liquid for
the remainder of the night. The sugar in the liquid causes
decalcifi cation of the teeth, which could lead to rotting
and broken teeth, and infl amed gums.”
According to Krynauw diet also plays an important
role in the oral health of a baby or toddler. “Sugar intake
should be limited. Ensure that your child’s diet contains
12
| MAY 2017
Pharmacy Magazine
abscesses, and gingivitis,” she concludes.