The expert named four rules for combating caries in children

Caries in children is one of the most common problems faced by parents. At the same time, many people believe that maintaining dental health requires a lot of effort and financial investments in the dental office. Ekaterina Loboda, Candidate of Medical Sciences, lecturer at the Russian Dental Association, dentist, periodontist, told Izvestia on August 13 about four simple rules that will help preserve children's teeth.

"The first main rule is hygiene: regularity and proper technique. Brushing your teeth twice a day — in the morning and in the evening — should take at least two minutes. Until the age of six or seven, it is better for parents to control the process or brush their child's teeth themselves, as children often skip hard–to—reach places," she said.

According to Loboda, it is important to choose a toothpaste and brush, which should give preference to those with soft bristles, a small head and a comfortable handle.

"For kids from two to six years old, a paste with low abrasiveness is needed to gently clean the teeth and protect them from caries. And at the age of six to 14, when teeth are actively changing and enamel is forming, it is important to provide additional protection from food acids. Such a scientifically based approach, for example, can be seen in one of the leaders in the development of oral health products by Haleon in the Sensodyne Kids Rgoemal children's line," the expert explained.

The second rule is to follow proper nutrition.

"The condition of teeth is affected not only by sugar, but also by other products of the children's diet. Acidic juices, soda, fruits can also contribute to the destruction of enamel. This does not mean that it is necessary to completely exclude them from the usual menu — it is enough to observe simple things: limit snacks, eat dairy products and solid foods, drink water after meals," the expert explained.

Loboda called prevention the third rule to protect children's oral cavity from caries.

"Even with perfect hygiene, caries can appear due to the peculiarities of the structure of teeth or the composition of saliva. Therefore, it is important to visit the dentist every six months or more often on the recommendation of a specialist, for example, during the period of active teething or changing teeth to molars," the expert explained.

The last rule, she says, is to create the habit of dental care for children.

"Children copy their parents' behavior, so the best way to teach them how to take care of their teeth is to set an example. Brushing teeth together, playing games ("who cleans all the corners better"), bright brushes and pastes with a pleasant taste will help turn a routine into a habit. Preventing tooth decay in a child is not as difficult as it seems," she concluded.

Olga Chepurkova, Professor, MD, speaker of REVIXAN, told Izvestia on May 5 that in order to avoid caries, bad breath and gum inflammation, it is important to remember that mouthwashers and sprays for the oral cavity are not a complete care. She urged not to forget that the main tools for ensuring dental cleanliness are a regular toothbrush, a monopuckle brush and interdental brushes.

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