After cleaning her son's teeth one night since the first tooth pushed through the gums, Ijeoma Onyeama said she was quite dismayed to discover that her son's front teeth have started showing signs of decay. He is only three years old, so how could he even show any sign of tooth decay at this early stage of his life and what could be the cause of it? she wondered.
"The widespread practice of putting a child to bed with a bottle of juice is a major factor causing the rise of early childhood dental caries, says Dr Amarachi Udo, Medical Director of Dental White Clinics, Lagos.
According to him, "these days, you would be shocked the kinds of food pack kids carry to school. Parents fill their lunch boxes with all manner of biscuits, chocolates and fruit juice, all in the name of pampering their child but they don't know the harm they are inflicting on the gums and teeth of that child. Tooth decay can occur when your child's teeth come in contact with too much sugar. This sugar helps bacteria grow. Acids that the bacteria make cause the teeth to decay. Many of the liquids that your child drinks contain sugar, including milk, formula, and fruit juices. Eating snacks with sugar also places more sugar on your child's teeth. How often your child drinks liquids containing sugar, and how long the sugar stays in the mouth are also important. When children sleep or walk around with a bottle or sip juice from a can, its sugar coats their teeth for longer periods of time, causing teeth to decay more quickly."
Breast milk by itself is the healthiest food for babies' teeth. It tends to slow bacterial growth and acid production. However, when breast milk is alternated with sugary foods or drinks, the rate of tooth decay can be faster than with sugar alone.
In a research conducted in Canada, it was discovered that severe early childhood caries, in which several teeth have cavities or signs of decay, "seem to be on the rise", says Robert Sutherland, president of the Canadian Dental Association. A total 36,000 children under 16 go to hospital every year for tooth extractions caused by decay and more than one million under-fives have at least two fillings.
Dr Udo said the popularity of fruit juices is partly to blame because parents believe they are healthier. "Infact, fructose in juice and lactose in milk bathe the teeth in sugars that increase acid production in the mouth, leading to demineralisation and tooth decay. Left untreated, baby teeth may break, rot or fall out prematurely. Infection can get into the nerve of the tooth and affect the development of underlying adult teeth, which may put the child at risk for lifelong dental problems.
Dr Udo further explained the processes that can lead to a a child's teeth decaying at an early age. "Early childhood tooth decay is that which affects the teeth of babies and young children. At birth, babies do not have decay causing germs in their mouths.
These germs are passed from parents to their babies through kissing and sharing utensils, like spoons. The more germs the parents have in their mouths, the more germs will be passed on to the baby. When the baby's mouth and teeth are not cleaned daily, decay causing acids are formed from most liquids that are fed to the baby. These liquids include formula, cow's milk and fruit juices. Repeated acid attacks break down the tooth surface and cause decay," Dr Udo explained.
Dentists believe that kids who consume too much soda and not enough nutritional beverages are prone to tooth decay in addition to serious ailments later in life, such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Drinking carbonated soft drinks regularly can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. Foods that are high in carbohydrates including some fruits, juices and sodas, peanut butter, crackers and potato chips are culprits. Enamel breakdown leads to cavities. If erosion spreads beneath the enamel, pain and sensitivity may eventually result. This can cause nerve infection, which can result in the need for a root canal.
Tooth cleaning alone is therefore not a guarantee against tooth decay. The types of food and drink you give your child can affect the development of tooth decay. Preventing tooth decay with healthy eating and drinking habit is of utmost importance if you want to protect your child's teeth from developing tooth decay in future. Cleaning and caring for children's teeth early sets up good dental habits for life, and create good dental patients.
The expert advised mothers to stop the habit of giving out gifts such as biscuits and fruit juice as pacifiers any time the child cries or they want to distract the child from something. "By constantly handing out goodies such as sweets which stick to the teeth every time your child opens his mouth to cry is an emotional tug that parents find hard to resist, but they need to reverse that habit and alternate it with foods such as oranges, carrots and apples. When children learn to eat fruits early in life; they form a better eating habit rather than filling their tummies with junk that not only affects their teeth but also their total wellbeing" he advised.
How can a mother help her child prevent tooth decay? Dr Udo gave this advice: "After each feeding, gently wipe your child's teeth and gums with a clean washcloth or gauze to remove plaque. Begin tooth brushing as soon as your child has teeth. Brush your teeth together, at least at bedtime. If you have an infant or toddler, place a small amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste on a washcloth and rub gently on their teeth. You can switch to fluoridated toothpaste when you are sure that your child spits out all of the toothpaste after brushing. Older children can use a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles employing very small amount of toothpaste".
The medical expert also advised parents to take their child to the dentist just after the first tooth appears. Brushing teeth after meals, regular flossing and fluoride treatments are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. "Children should also be supervised as they brush. A good rule of thumb is that when children can dress themselves and tie their own shoes, then they are ready to brush unsupervised. Children should be supervised in proper flossing techniques until the age of 10. If you have any concerns about your child's dental health or want some tips on preventing tooth decay, go and ask your dentist.
National Mirror