How parents can maintain their child's oral health during the COVID 19 lock-down

Tips to help your child maintain healthy teeth during the stay-at-home period with healthy hygiene and eating habits.

The COVID 19 pandemic has made normal social interactions increasingly difficult. With children and parents stuck at home for long periods of time, days on end, it is natural to be overwhelmed. Add to this, the problem of unexpected dental pain and discomfort your child could have. At a time when people are advised to stay at home and access to routine dental check ups is not possible, it has become increasingly important to maintain good oral hygiene so that tooth problems can be kept at bay.

Here are some simple steps to follow, to keep dental problems away:

Cut down on sugars

Avoid adding unwanted calories to your child's diet. We are in a situation where children have reduced physical activity and going to public parks and gatherings are not allowed, it is necessary to reduce the calorie intake of children. This is not only important for general physical health but also beneficial to dental health of your child. Sugars in the mouth are broken down to form acids that can leach away the outer layer of the teeth ( enamel ). The weakened tooth is susceptible to cavities and pain from sensitivity. Ideally, a balanced diet restricted to meal times with no in between snacking is advised. Avoid buying any foods or drinks with sugars in them. Even though this may sound drastic, it is a good idea to lock the pantry. Everything that we eat has some amount of sugar in it.

Brush-Floss-Mouthwash!

Children need to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night. Parents need to brush the child's teeth using tooth paste up to the age of eight. After the age of eight the parent should supervise their child till they have enough dexterity to clean their own teeth properly. You can ask your dentist to recommend an age appropriate tooth paste and mouthwash, which contains fluoride, to make the teeth stronger. Once the child starts getting adult teeth, parents must introduce flossing into the routine. This is because brushing alone does not get in between teeth, and this is where normally dental decay sneaks up. Using mouthwash containing fluoride is also a good addition to the oral hygiene routine of the child. The important thing to keep in mind while using fluoridated mouthwash is that the child should be able to hold the liquid in the mouth and then spit it out completely. This can be practiced using normal water till the child gets used to the action of rinsing and spitting.

Protective measure for your child’s dental health

Children who are prone to oral problems due to other underlying medical conditions, need to be given extra care during lock-down. There is a possibility that such conditions worsen in stressful times. It is important to reach out to your dentist who will advise you on how to manage in case of flare-ups and discomfort. There are protective dental procedures such as application of fluoride varnish, pit and fissure sealants, therapeutic mouthwash prescription, etc., that can be done by the dentist to help children maintain their oral hygiene when regular medical and dental review appointments are not possible.

Lead by example

This is a new situation for all of us and whilst it is an uncertain time, the number one priority as a parent is to support your child through this tough period. Young children have impressionable minds and it is important to set the right example. Ensure you lead by being a positive role model. Maintain a daily routine and stick to a schedule. Get the older children and your spouse involved in the daily chores around the house. Keep everyone occupied and motivated by playing board games, listening to music, family dance time, singing etc. Make hand washing, tooth brushing and general grooming all fun activities that the child looks forward to every day.

Using these methods, the tough phase of lock-down can be managed by families and we can support our young ones to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

Opinion Piece by Dr. Radhika Nair