Our doctor told about early tooth decay in children and fun and easy ways to get children to brush their teeth.

Why Do Teeth Decay Early?
Treatment of oral and dental diseases in children is the basis of preventive dentistry. The teeth, which are called milk teeth series, come out between 6 months and 3 years. This is followed by a mixed set of teeth between the ages of 6-12. These two periods are the most active period of development. Since the enamel is immature when the teeth first come out, they are extremely susceptible to decay.

Since milk teeth contain more organic matter than permanent teeth, they are more prone to caries, they rot more easily and quickly.

Children cannot interpret signals such as cold-hot sensitivity and pain that can be seen in the early period of caries. They only notice the pain when it gets to the point where they can't stand it and tell their parents.

Children cannot pay as much attention to oral care as adults. Since children's motor skills are not fully developed, they cannot brush effectively.

Nutrition and Junk Food Habit Effective in Caries!
Foods that are frequently consumed at this age and irregular nutrition have a high potential to cause cavities.

The first caries we encounter in children as a result of malnutrition are early childhood caries. This is often seen in children who have made a habit of feeding with a bottle, sugary or honeyed milk during sleep. To prevent it, the child's feeding should be finished before going to sleep, and the teeth should be cleaned with a toothbrush without using paste or by wiping with a cotton cloth.

Sticky, acidic and sugary foods that are loved and consumed in childhood are also responsible for caries formation. Since these foods are more likely to stick between the teeth and the time to stay in the mouth is long, cavities occur. In order to prevent it, the child who loves chocolate should be fed dark chocolate with a high purity rate, and the child who loves ice cream should be fed milk ice cream. This feeding should be done at the end of the meal and the children should be given the habit of brushing their teeth right after.

How to Gain the Habit of Brushing Teeth in Children?

Children do not have the competence to comprehend the knowledge and importance of dental caries. All responsibility in this matter falls on the parents. Children who acquire the habit of brushing teeth at a young age have healthy teeth in later years.
Pick up the toothbrush and toothpaste with your child. The child who buys the brush and paste he likes will be eager to use it.
If possible, get multiple brushes and pastes and ask them to brush their teeth by making different choices each time they brush. Asking him to make a choice will also improve your child's decision-making and self-confidence mechanism.
Having a fun 2-minute hourglass in front of your bathroom mirror while brushing will give your child the habit of brushing their teeth for exactly 2 minutes.
Also, keep weekly toothbrushing cards for you and your child next to your bathroom mirror. Make positive marks on the report card with each brushing.
After eating chocolate, candy, sweets, etc. with your child, look at your teeth in the mirror and be informed that these food particles sticking to your teeth will rot them.
Have your child watch age-appropriate animations about bruises, prepared for children.
As our institution, we wish all children healthy teeth and a happy future.