Kids should brush teeth as they erupt
Parents should also use the appropriate amount of toothpaste
“ Once children are at the age of two , we recommend that they use the amount of toothpaste that ’ s the size of a grain of rice .”
Experts recommend parents start brushing their kids ’ teeth twice a day as soon as they grow them to reduce the risk of caries , or tooth decay , a good practice that may not be as common as it should .
A 20�9 report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention �CDC� , for instance , found that about �0 percent of kids between the age of three and 15 started brushing later than recommended , while one third just did it once a day and nearly 40 percent of those aged three to six used too much toothpaste .
The findings are based on a survey of parents or caregivers about dental hygiene practices in 5,157 children and adolescents .
Inadequate dental hygiene means children can develop plaque and tartar buildup that lead to cavities , which in turn could cause toothache , infections , and tooth loss . And the risks go beyond dental problems as bacteria can lead to in�ammation and disease not �ust in the mouth but the entire body , Dr �imberly �iuliano , a paediatrician at the Cleveland Clinic , said on its website .
She advised to start brushing when children cut the first tooth to develop the habit early , thus making sure they have less fear of the practice and are willing to do it twice a day .
Using the right amount of toothpaste is equally important . Since children tend to swallow it , too much of it could cause �uorosis , a condition where the teeth can become pitted or discoloured .
To avoid this , �uorinated toothpastes , whose excessive use is responsible for the condition , shouldn ’ t be used for children younger than two .
“ Once children are at the age of two , we recommend that they use the amount of toothpaste that ’ s the size of a grain of rice , � said Dr �iuliano . �Between the ages of three and six , they can just do a pea-sized amount of �uorinated toothpaste on the toothbrush . � She adds that using such an amount will keep children safe even if they swallow it .
Fluorides are compounds that help prevent tooth decay and therefore are often added to drinking water and toothpastes to make sure people get the required amount for healthy teeth . The CDC recommends that all persons drink optimally �uorinated water of 0 . � mg�� and says that �uoride use is one of the main factors that has led to a decline in the prevalence and severity of dental caries and cavities in the US .
The report concluded that healthcare professionals should educate parents about proper toothpaste use in order to reap the full benefits of dental hygiene .
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com SEPTEMBER 2022
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