A guide to healthy children's teeth for parents
Healthy teeth are no coincidence, but the result of consistent care and proper nutrition. In our Dental practice for children in Biel we see every day how important it is to educate parents. Caries is almost 100% preventable - if you know how.
Why milk teeth are so important
A common misconception is that milk teeth are less important because they «fall out anyway». The opposite is true: milk teeth serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth and are essential for speech development. Premature tooth decay can also damage the teeth that follow.
The 3 pillars of caries prevention
1. oral hygiene at home: technology & aids
As already mentioned, children should be accustomed to brushing from their first milk tooth. But what does the ideal routine look like at school age?
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The KAI method: Practise the system with your child: Ksurfaces, Aoutside surfaces, Iindoor surfaces.
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Fluoridation: In addition to toothpaste, hardening the enamel is important. From the age of 6, we recommend Weekly application of a fluoride gel (e.g. Elmex jelly). This makes the tooth more resistant to acid attacks.
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Technical support: Use modern tools. One Electric toothbrush compensates for a lack of motor skills and motivates many children with integrated timers or apps.
2. guiding your diet: the sugar trap
Sugar is the fuel for caries bacteria. However, the aim is not to avoid sugar completely, but to use it consciously.
The golden rule of frequency: If your child eats a whole bar of chocolate at once, it is less harmful to their teeth than if they suck on a single sweet all day long or take a sip of a sweet drink every hour.
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Avoid continuous rinsing: Teeth need breaks in which the saliva can remineralise them.
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Water instead of juice: Only drink water at night or during sport.
3. professional prophylaxis at the dentist
Even with the best care, there are niches that are difficult for a toothbrush to reach. In our practice in Biel, we offer additional services:
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Fissure sealing: Closure of the deep pits on the molars.
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Professional tooth cleaning: Gentle removal of plaque.
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Cleaning school: We playfully show your child where the bacteria are hiding (e.g. by colouring the teeth).
