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Infants
After breast
feeding or bottle
feeding, Dr.
Radhakrishnan
explains that it is
advisable to rinse
away the milk
residues from the
surface of the
teeth. “For infants
at increased
risk of tooth
decay consult a
Pediatric Dentist
about brushing
with fluoridated
toothpaste,”
he notes while
for infants six
months and
older fluoride
supplements
can be given
but only by the
recommendation
of a dentist or
a pediatrician;
based on the
water fluoride
level.
In case the
infant has sore
gums caused by
tooth eruption,
Dr. Sangeeth
Radhakrishnan
advises to
provide the
infant with a
clean teething
ring, cool spoon,
or even rub his
gums with a
clean finger. He
advises regular
dental check-ups
by a Pediatric
dentist for the
toddler.
Preventing
Caries
in Small
Children
In children
age one and
below, Dr.
Radhakrishnan
enforces that
the initiation
of a program to
ensure an optimal
environment for
oral health should
begin in infancy.
“The preventive
program
includes many
facets- dietary
management,
optimal systemic
fuorides and
removal of
plaque,” he says.
“Even before the
tooth erupts, it’s
advisable to use
a clean damp
cloth or an infant
toothbrush with
a small head
using plain
water to clean
the gum pads
after feeding.”
Once the teeth
have erupted, a
wet soft-bristled
brush can be
gently wiped
over the teeth.
Then, when a
number of teeth
have erupted, Dr.
Radhakrishnan
points out that a
more thorough
and systematic
routine should
be established in
which one makes
sure to clean all
surfaces of the
teeth in both the
upper and lower
jaws.
Older Children
As the child gets older, Dr.
Radhakrishnan explains
that many want to clean
their own teeth. “Parents
need to understand that fine
motor movements are not
still developed completely,
therefore supervision
and removal of plaque
from missed areas should
be provided,” he says as
children have a limited
ability to expectorate,
dentifrices with fuoride
should be used sparingly. If a
fuoride dentifrice is used, he
advises a very small amount
(pea-size) should be placed
on the brush and cleaning
completely performed or
supervised by the parent.
Advice
• Give fluoride supplements
but only as recommended
by a dentist or physician
based on the level of caries
risk.
• Discuss with the dentist
the possibility of topical
fuoside application and
dental sealants treatment.
• Regular dental check-ups
are paramount.
Foods To Avoid
• Avoid or reduce the frequent
intake of sugary foods or
juices to prevent caries.
• Make sure the child brushes
the teeth after consuming
sticky or sugary food.
• Avoid junk food and
encourage healthy eating
habits.
Breast Feeding
From a nutritional point of
view, Dr. Radhakrishnan says
that breast milk has several
systemic and immunological
advantages over proprietary
formulas. Thus
its importance
cannot be
overemphasized.
“However on
the fip side,
prolonged and
at will breast
feeding beyond
the stipulated
weaning time,
especially
throughout night
and throughout
day has been
associated with
nursing caries,” he
says.
First Dental Check-up
According to Dr. Radhakrishnan,
in 1986, the American Association of
Pediatric Dentists adopted a position
on infant oral health recommending
that the first visit of the child to
the dental clinic should be within
six months of the primary teeth
eruption.
How to select a tooth brush
Tooth brushes are available in many shapes,
colors, sizes and designs. Brushes with soft
rounded nylon bristles are recommended, says
Dr. Radhakrishnan. “The size of the head, angle
of the head, size and shape of the handle all
depend on the child’s and parent’s preferences,”
he says. “A design that works best in their
hands and gets the cleaning and massaging
completed is the brush to use.”
H
71
Mar/Apr 2015