What is the best way to treat tooth decay in children?

Children's tooth decay needs to be treated early, otherwise it will affect oral health and cause imperfect gum development, especially when replacing teeth, problems will arise, so parents should supervise their children's food intake and nutritional intake, control their children every night, brush their teeth well, develop good brushing habits, and choose the correct and appropriate toothpaste.

1. Nutrition and eating habits

A healthy diet structure and good eating habits are the basis of oral health and overall health. Children should pay attention to a balanced diet and not be picky about food. Children are encouraged to eat more fiber foods, especially vegetables and fresh fruits, which are high in fiber and rich in nutrition. This is not only beneficial to the self-cleaning of teeth and less prone to caries, but also beneficial to the growth and development of the oral and maxillofacial regions, promoting neat arrangement of teeth and enhancing chewing function. At the same time, be careful to limit foods that are high in salt, fat, and sticky, slow to clear, and acid-producing, such as sweets and refined carbohydrates. Nutritional needs should not only be considered from the perspective of their impact on oral health, but also in combination with overall health in order to be acceptable to the family and feasible.

2. Parents help and supervise their children brushing their teeth

Family care plays an important role in children's oral health that cannot be ignored. Because children are young and have a short attention span, parents should teach and help them brush their teeth. You can choose a nylon toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head, which is easy to clean teeth and massage gums.

Children after the age of 2 tend to brush their teeth by themselves, but their hand flexibility is poor at this time and they need constant help and guidance from their parents. Starting from the age of 3-4, children's hands-on ability and limb coordination are significantly enhanced. Parents and kindergarten teachers can teach children to brush their teeth using the simplest "circle method". The key is to place the bristles on the tooth surface, gently press to bend the bristles, and draw circles on the tooth surface. Repeat circles for each part more than 5 times. The toothbrush needs to be placed vertically on the lingual side of the front teeth, and all surfaces of the teeth should be brushed.

Parents should brush their children's teeth once a day (preferably at night) until they go to elementary school, to ensure the effectiveness of brushing.

Children's deciduous teeth begin to fall out around the age of 6, and permanent teeth gradually erupt. At this time, symptoms such as pain, gingival edema, and discomfort may occur, so you should see a doctor for examination and treatment in time. Parents should continue to help children maintain the oral hygiene habits established early and protect their newly erupted permanent teeth.