Dental Care for Children – Expert Guide

Children’s Oral Care – Expert Guidance

Introduction

Hello parents! I am Dr. Neha Gupta, a dentist with over 10 years of experience, currently practicing at Apollo Spectra, Chennai. Having worked with hundreds of families on children’s oral health, I understand that a healthy smile from an early age is the foundation for confidence and lifelong well-being. According to the Indian Dental Association (IDA, 2023), up to 60% of children under 12 in India suffer from tooth decay due to poor hygiene and unhealthy diets. This is truly alarming! In this article, I will share practical guidance based on my hands-on experience at Max Hospital and Apollo Spectra, along with knowledge gained from the University of Michigan, to help parents protect their child’s smile. Let’s explore together!

Causes of Oral Problems in Children

Baby teeth, though temporary, play an important role in chewing and facial development. However, they are highly vulnerable to bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, which causes cavities when combined with sugars from food. Research in the Indian Journal of Dentistry (2020) shows that children who consume more sweets and soft drinks are 2–3 times more likely to develop cavities compared to those with a balanced diet. In addition, improper brushing or neglecting interdental cleaning allows plaque to accumulate. During my time at Max Hospital, New Delhi, I frequently treated children aged 6–8 with severe cavities due to a lack of early guidance. This is why oral care should begin as soon as the first tooth appears—usually around 6 months of age.

Guidelines for Children’s Oral Care
Based on practical experience and professional expertise, here are concrete steps to protect your child’s oral health:

Start early care:
When the first tooth erupts (around 6–12 months), clean with a soft cloth dipped in warm water. From age 2, use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for children and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens enamel and reduces cavity risk by up to 25% (ADA, 2021). I often encourage parents to supervise their child brushing twice daily for two minutes each.

Limit sweets and encourage water:
Avoid frequent intake of sticky candies or soft drinks, as sugar clings to teeth and fosters bacteria. Instead, promote drinking water or unsweetened milk. At Apollo Spectra, I have observed remarkable improvement in children within just three months of dietary changes.

Regular dental check-ups:
Schedule dental visits every 6 months, starting at age 1. Dentists can detect early issues such as weak enamel or initial decay. During a 2018 rural outreach program, I provided free care to over 500 children and found that early detection reduced the risk of losing baby teeth by 80%.

Build good habits:
Teach children to rinse after meals and begin flossing from 7–8 years old. I often use dental models during consultations to engage children, turning oral care into a fun activity.

Treatment Options for Dental Issues
If a child already has cavities or dental damage, I typically apply the following methods:

Fillings: Composite materials to restore decayed teeth, preserving baby teeth. The procedure is quick, about 20–30 minutes.

Extractions: In severe cases, removing a decayed baby tooth is necessary to prevent infection. This is always done under light anesthesia to ensure the child feels no pain.

Topical fluoride: For weak enamel, fluoride gel strengthens the teeth, usually applied every 6 months.

Practical Experience from Dr. Neha Gupta

During my work at Max Hospital, I successfully treated a 7-year-old child with severe decay in four baby teeth. After fillings and parental guidance on oral hygiene, the child remained cavity-free for two years. At Apollo Spectra, while my primary focus is aesthetic dentistry and implants, I still dedicate time to children, using gentle techniques to ease their fear. A memorable moment was hosting a free dental camp in Chennai, where I helped a child regain confidence by correcting misaligned teeth. These experiences remind me of my mission: every child’s smile is precious.

Advice and Encouragement
Parents, make oral care a natural part of your child’s daily life. Book a dental appointment today, and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions through the Apollo Spectra online consultation service. If your child faces dental problems, don’t worry—we can work through them together! Remember, a healthy smile is not only beautiful but also a key to overall health. I hope this article inspires you to begin your child’s oral care journey today. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to meeting you and your little one at the clinic!