Toothache in Children
Among most health ailments, the most nagging can be a simple toothache. Athough a very small part of the body, the pain in a single tooth cannot be underestimated. Not only does it cause severe discomfort, but also trouble eating and digesting. Care and immediate attention to any problems in the teeth is critical.
Problems in the teeth begin early in childhood. Often, there is a great amount of neglect to infants who are teething. Their own reluctance to brush their teeth and the parents’ apathy leads to lingering problems right into adulthood. Teeth are weaker, have many infections and cavities, and the gums also tend to get affected and weakened faster. It is very important to instill the pratice of brushing teeth twice a day, and rinsing the mouth well after every meal. These should be taught to children from a very young age.
Children who are nursing also have a tendency to invite tooth trouble. Milk residue tends to linger in the mouth as the child sleeps after his drink, causing the formation of bacteria in the mouth. Proper burshing is, hence, imperative.
Another common tendency seen in children is sucking the thumb, or finger. Exposure to the nipple or pacifier is another common pracitce. This causes the teeth to start protruding, and thestructure of the mouth changes. The only remedy for this is the use of braces for the teeth to correct any deformities. Some children are born with the tendency of naturally protruding teeth which cannot really be helped without medical intervension, but other practices can be curbed early.
The right foods for the teeth are also very important. Calcium is most important. Milk and its products can find no sunstitute in the amount of calcium it provides. Avoid allowing the child to develop a taste for very sugary foods. Instead allow natural sugars like those in fruits to take its place.
Children have the tendency to bite things they see. This is especially common while they teeth, and later a habit in opening things they find difficult using their hands. This often causes the teeth to either break completely, or chip partially. While this can be corrected if the broken tooth is a milk tooth, it is difficult for permanent teeth unless replaced artificially. The other impact is that gums also tend to weaken.
The onus of giving the child healthy, pearly teeth lies on the parents. The benefit of good teeth will stand the child in good stead through life.
