Healthy teeth pivotal to child’s growth – Expert

Dr Olubukola Popoola, a Paediatric dentist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, says a good dental health is pivotal to the development and growth of a child.
Popoola told the News Agency of Nigeria that regular dental check-up was imperative for mothers to promote the child’s healthy living.
He said: “Mothers should ensure effective care of their children’s teeth by taking them to the clinic for regular checks.
“A good dental health is important to the overall growth and development of the child.
“Most mothers do not take this aspect of the child’s health serious and in the process, the child develops all forms of gum diseases with attendant pains and discomfort.”
“Gum disease in children occurs due to the build-up of plaques. Plaque is a sticky invisible layer of germs that develops on the child’s gums and teeth naturally.
“Plaque possesses bacteria-producing toxins which harm and damage the gums. Every day, hundreds of bacteria thrive in the mouth.
“Brushing and flossing daily and visiting the dentist regularly is important to maintain a good oral health.”
Popoola, who is of the Child Oral Health Department, said a child who lack proper dental care may experience bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, loose his teeth and bad breath that may not go away.
Other common symptoms in such children include discoloration of gums or white spots on the gums, pus between the teeth or gums, gums appearing like they are pulling away from teeth and openings between the teeth.
Popoola, however, said there were several methods to treat gum diseases in children which include root planning.
She said: “Root planning is deep-cleaning the root surfaces above the gum line to remove the bacteria, calculus and dental plaque that result in a gum disease.
“Scaling helps the child experience a substantial reduction in the symptoms of periodontal disease.”
The dentist said antibiotics could be prescribed along with root planning or scaling to curb the expansion of the infection.
She explained further that the use of antibiotics containing fibers or gels which could be placed in gum pocket to relieve pains.
Popoola said: “In advanced stage of periodontal disease, an operation may be recommended to open up and clean affected gum pocket.
“After surgery, the gum will be stitched back to make them fit more tightly around the teeth.”
She canvassed brushing of the child’s teeth thoroughly twice daily for at least three minutes each time and daily flossing.
She said: “Brush with a toothpaste containing fluoride. You can also use mouth rinses containing fluoride.
“Using a soft toothbrush having polished bristles since they will not harm the gum tissue.
“Replace the toothbrush after every three to four months and give the child a healthy diet.
“It is important to prevent the child from eating junk foods that are full of sugar to avoid growth of plaque-causing bacteria.
“The child should visit the dentist regularly for routine dental care and for cleaning at least twice a year.’’