From the Spanish Dental Federation, they estimate that three out of ten children under six years of age have cavities, this oral disease being one of the most common during childhood. Further, experts warn of a higher incidence of mouth problems during the summer, as a result of an increased intake of sugary products and carbonated drinks.
Although summer is to enjoy, we should not neglect the healthy habits of our children, and it is important to continue instilling daily oral hygiene routines. We give you the keys to prevent the risk of tooth decay without giving up the pleasures of summer.
Take a travel toothbrush with you
During the summer holidays increases the frequency of meals away from home, outdoor excursions, and purchase of ice cream and soft drinks in street stalls to combat thirst and heat. Experts say that this change in habits increases the risk of tooth decay, especially among children.
To prevent this, it is advisable for parents to get our children used to brush their teeth after each meal, and eating out should not be an excuse for not doing so. Therefore, it is recommended to always keep a toothbrush in your bag or backpack, and in this way we will help minimize risks.
In Babies and moreChildren and ice cream in summer: everything you wanted to knowIt is not enough to brush your teeth ... you have to do it correctly
But the fact that children brush their teeth daily is not enough to prevent the risk of tooth decay and bacterial plaque. We must ensure that they do it correctly and the minimum number of times recommended (two, although preferably they should be three).
While they are small parents will help them in their daily cleaning, using a soft bristle brush appropriate to their age. As they grow they can start brushing their teeth alone, but always under supervision, in order to ensure that there is no food left in the mouth that leads to cavities and gingival damage.
Use a specific toothpaste for tooth sensitivity
Dental sensitivity is not a nuisance that only adults suffer, but also children can be affected at a given time. Sweetened, cold foods and carbonated drinks cause wear on the enamel and, therefore, pain when some foods are ingested.
To combat it, experts advise using a specific toothpaste for tooth sensitivity, as well as reducing the most harmful foods and trying to get children to drink more water and hydrate with fruits and vegetables.
In Babies and more The most common oral injuries in childhood: how to prevent and treat themAnd remember the importance of fluoride
Children's toothpastes have to carry the amount of fluoride corresponding to the child's age, as it has been shown that Fluoride is highly effective for caries prevention.
According to the web In Family, of the AEP, the amount of fluoride that toothpaste must contain for children between six months and three years is 1000 ppm, and we will apply the amount equivalent to a grain of rice. Between three and six years we will use toothpaste that contains between 1000 and 1450 ppm of fluoride, and after six years the concentration of fluoride should be 1450 ppm.
But not everything is caries: caution with dental trauma!
But experts warn that in summer not only increases the risk of tooth decay in children, but also dental trauma. On these dates, children spend most of their time playing and doing physical activities, so they are more likely to suffer an unwanted blow to the tooth.
If a tooth fracture occurs (either partial or total), experts recommend storing the dental piece that has suffered the impact in saline, milk, or in the child's own saliva and go immediately to the dentist. The correct conservation of the broken piece could help when it was successfully reimplanted.
In Babies and more Pulp necrosis, trauma and tooth breakage due to a blow, how should we act? Summer is a time to enjoy family vacations. Therefore, it is important to continue caring for and protecting the oral health of children, and thus avoid unwanted problems or situations.
