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Millions of children worldwide suffer from tooth decay in their baby teeth

 Oral hygiene in childhood is essential.

Oral hygiene in childhood is important

On the occasion of World Children's Day, celebrated on November 20, DentalOffice.org reminds us that to avoid dental pathologies in children, it is essential to educate them on incorrect oral hygiene habits, a healthy diet, and regular visits to the dentist to ensure proper development of their teeth.

Caries and trauma are the most common childhood dental diseases. There are different types of dental injuries, some of which can affect the formation of permanent dentition. In the event of any dental trauma, it is recommended to go immediately to the dentist to examine the patient and apply the most appropriate treatment.

Caries is the most common chronic disease in childhood, with a high prevalence among preschoolers. This pathology is caused by increased consumption of sugars, poor oral hygiene, breastfeeding, or bottle feeding.

31% of Spanish children under 6 years old have cavities


According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 530 million children worldwide suffer from tooth decay in baby teeth. In addition, it is estimated that 30% of children under 6 have cavities. This figure is several million baby teeth that are affected. In addition, 70% of children under 4 years have never been to the dentist.

We must banish the belief that we should not treat cavities in baby teeth because they will fall out. Primary teeth hold space for permanent teeth, so if permanent teeth erupt into a mouth with decayed baby teeth, they are much more likely to become diseased. To avoid this, children must be educated in optimal hygiene habits and follow a healthy and balanced diet, limiting the consumption of sugary products.

If your child has healthy teeth, he or she will be less likely to have tonsillitis and otitis, will not suffer from dental pain, will have greater self-esteem, and will miss fewer hours of school. Therefore, encouraging good hygiene habits from the time a child has his first baby tooth is essential. In addition, the first visit to the dentist must be made on the child's first birthday to rule out any anomaly that could bring about future complications if not treated.

Hygiene habits from childhood


-Before the first tooth erupts, it is advisable to clean the baby's gums with gauze moistened with water.

-Since the first baby tooth appears, around 6-8 months of age, it is highly recommended to start cleaning them with a pediatric toothbrush, putting a minimum amount (size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste with 1,000 ppm (parts per million) of fluoride.

-From the age of 3 years, you can put toothpaste with 1,000 to 1,450 ppm of fluoride in an amount equivalent to the size of a pea. At least 2 brushes should be done daily, one in the morning and one before going to sleep. Until this age, brushing must be done by the parents.

-Between the age of 4 and 6, the child must learn to brush under supervision.

-From the age of 6 to 12, permanent teething is completed. At this stage, it is essential to reinforce hygiene: brush teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing 1450 ppm of fluoride for two minutes, using a quantity of paste equivalent to a chickpea.

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