A survey conducted by the Public Health System of England showed that one in 10 three-year-old children has cavities. Children have an average of three teeth with decay, lost or pasted. What can parents do to reduce the risks?
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Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
Dental caries is caused by frequent consumption of too many sugary foods and beverages, according to the Public Health System of England.
“Unless this problem is addressed, there is a much greater risk of more decay in permanent teeth throughout adulthood,” they warn.
The British Nutrition Foundation advises trying to limit foods and drinks that contain sugar at meal times.
“The more often the child takes sugary foods or drinks, the more likely they are to have cavities (dentists recommend that children not eat foods and drinks that contain sugar more than four times a day).”
Foods that contain sugar, such as candy, jams, cakes, cookies, desserts and ice cream, should not be given too often and should be kept only at mealtime.
“Nuts can also be harmful to teeth so you have to try to offer them at mealtime instead of between meals.”Experts suggest offering snacks, such as raw fruits and vegetables, including tangerines, bananas, cucumber or carrot pieces.
Other healthy snacks include toasts, rice crackers and popcorn.
Give water and milk
“Sugary fruit juices targeting very young children are not necessary and should be avoided,” says Mel Wakeman, a nutrition expert at the University of Birmingham City.
“Water and milk for children under three are the best option,” he says.
“Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for babies, and the best drinks for young children from one to two years are whole milk and water and from two years of age onwards semi-skimmed milk and water, as long as the child be of good food. ”
Nutritionists recommend not adding sugar to food or weaning drinks.
Replace the bottle with glasses from the year
Drinking sugary drinks in bottles and cups with a lid further increases the damage caused to the teeth, particularly the front teeth.
The Public Health System in England advises parents to encourage their children to drink from a free flow cup after six months of age and stop bottle feeding from 12 months of age.
“Ideally, children should be encouraged to move from a bottle to a cup from one year onwards, but many children may find it difficult (like parents) because the bottle is often a great source of comfort and less dirty,” says Mel Wakeman.
“Teaching a child to drink with a straw can also help.”
Brush your teeth twice a day
Thorough brushing for two minutes, twice a day, one of them before bedtime, helps prevent tooth decay, says the British Nutrition Foundation.
Read: What is the right way to brush your teeth?
It is recommended to begin brushing the teeth of children as soon as the first tooth appears with a paste without fluoride and supervise its brushing until the child is seven or eight years old.
From the age of three, it is advisable to use only a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Use sugar free medications
Parents are also advised to ask if a sugar-free medication is available and remind your family dentist about this when making a prescription for the child.