W E L L B E I N G
LOOKING AFTER YOUR CHILD’S DENTAL HEALTH With the increase of sugary foods, tooth decay is on the rise amongst kids in this region. So what can you do to look after your child’s dental health?
20 | APRIL 2022 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
AIthough figures are not available for the UAE or Middle East, UK healthcare professionals have reported an “oral health crisis” in children. This crisis has seen over 40,000 children put under general anaesthetic in hospital to have teeth extracted in recent years. According to health experts, the 17% increase in tooth extractions in hospitals is attributable to tooth decay caused by sugar in children’s diet. Tooth decay is the breakdown, or destruction, of tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard, outer surface of a tooth. Tooth decay can lead to cavities (also called caries), which are holes in the teeth that bacteria can penetrate. So what causes tooth decay in a child? Tooth decay is caused by bacteria, amongst other things. It can happen when foods containing sugars, starches and other carbohydrates are left on the teeth.
