DOHA: Dental caries, a leading oral health issue, affect at least 85 percent of children in Qatar and could be prevented by early assessment, according to an expert.
Most children aged 12-14 are effected by tooth decay or cavities, says Dr Muhammed Sultan Al Darwhish, Prosthodontist at the Dental Department, Al Wakra Hospital. Qatar has the second highest prevalence of dental caries among children in the Gulf after Saudi Arabia.
An assessment after six months of first tooth of an infant or at one year of age is advisable to prevent oral health problems and Dr Al Darwhish suggested that parents should select a paediatric dentist for consultation. “It’s important to get an early start on dental care so that your child learns that visiting a dentist is a regular part of caring about their health,” he said in the latest edition of Alseha published by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). “It’s important to make the first visit a positive experience for your child, one reason why it’s best to visit before a problem develops,” he added.
Using fluoride toothpaste will make the surface of teeth more resistant to acid. The fluoride in water strengthens the developing teeth. “However, check the manufacture’s label as some toothpaste are not recommended for children under six because young children may swallow toothpaste and this can lead to discolouration of permanent teeth,” he said.
Visiting a dentist on a regular basis for cleaning and maintenance also helps protect the teeth. “How often you go for dental exams depends on your oral health. The goal is to catch the problems early. For many people this means a dental exam every six months. Your dentist may suggest that you visit more or less often depending on how well you care for your teeth and gums and other problems.”
Diet has a major role in preventing and treating caries. Limiting the intake of sugary food and drinks and those with high levels of acidity could help protect the teeth. Acid can damage the teeth in the same way as sugar and contributes to cavity.
The frequency of consuming sugary food and drinks is more important than the total amount of sugar consumed, he said. “For example, it’s better to have 20 grammes of sugar in one intake than 15 grammes in three intakes.” The Peninsula
