Thus the teeth remain sound

The signs of decay

Caries is a disease often underestimated. An oral hygiene allows regularly to prevent it.

The plate is a "biofilm" viscous formed of bacteria and germs living that can cause tooth decay and gum infections. When brushing, this film is destroyed and the formation of cavities is avoided. Saliva also plays an important role: it is rich in minerals which strengthen the teeth and neutralize acidic foods and drinks. Saliva production is stimulated when your child sucks, chews, sent or taste.




The signs of decay
The cavity is formed mainly at the gums in the inter-dental spaces and paths. It is scientifically proven that the presence of plaque on the upper incisors is an indicator of the formation of cavities.

The first signs of decay are white spots on teeth at the gum. These spots appear when fortified minerals like calcium and fluoride are destroyed. If these spots are detected early, they may be reminéralisées and decay is preventable.
Consult your dentist immediately if you discover changes color on your child's teeth.

If the cavity is already advanced, the tooth becomes sensitive to hot, cold, sweet and salty. Consult a dentist because it is always possible at this stage to keep the tooth. If the decay has already reached the nerve of the tooth, the pain is unbearable and a simple repair is no longer possible.




A healthy diet
In addition to an oral hygiene regular healthy diet is essential to maintain healthy teeth.
From 6 months the child can drink fruit juice 100% pure juice. Give him a cup and not in a bottle.



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To 1 year, your child should be able to drink the cup and into 12 or 14 months, should déshabituer completely from the bottle.

Never place your child in bed with a bottle, even if it contains only water. The reduced production of saliva during the night that the teeth are more susceptible to demineralization. If you give a liquid to your child before putting it to bed, the protective effect of natural saliva is reduced. You can calm your child with a pacifier in place of a bottle.



Foods that promote tooth decay
The criteria for foods that promote tooth decay are:
- Viscosity;
- The total carbohydrates.

During the process of formation of cavities, the frequency of consumption of foods and drinks also plays a role. To avoid the formation of cavities, it is very important to brush your teeth after each use.

Of snacks that are not healthy are eg. :
- Chip
- Nut
- Dry cereal
- Cakes
- Biscuits

There are healthy snacks eg. :
- Cheese
- Fruit that does not stick
- Vegetables
- The lean meat
- Milk or yogurt





Sweets? Yes, but not always
Everyone knows, sugar harms the teeth. However this does not mean that your child can not eat it from time to time.

Just follow these rules:

• Allow your child to eat sweets only when brushing your teeth after. This is particularly true for sugar eaten before going to bed.





• Avoid sweets that melt slowly in the mouth (eg. Candy and lollipops).

• It is much more damaging to teeth to eat sweets throughout the day to eat only once a day.

• Remember, yogurt, beverages and certain medications (eg. Syrups against cough) can contain sugar.

• Do not let your child constantly drinking the bottle or cup filled with a sweet drink, it can lead to the formation of cavities.




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If your child wants sweet, give him fruit instead of sweets or cakes. In this way, it is not only full of vitamins, but it also gets used to the fact that "dessert" or "sugar" does not necessarily mean "chocolate".



Fluor
It is essential that your child has an adequate intake of fluoride. Fluoride protects teeth caries, it strengthens it and prevents bacteria produce more acid in the mouth.
Breast milk contains no fluoride. From the onset of the first tooth, talk to your dentist about fluoride supplements possible. It will recommend the administration of fluoride is through food, through the use of fluoride toothpaste or form. In the case of industrial milk, the amount of fluoride varies according to whether it is ready to eat or should be diluted in water. The current trend to use purified water has meant that babies and small children do not consume enough fluoride. Ask your local council for the fluoride content of your tap water. If it does not, or not enough fluoride, talk to your dentist or your pediatrician possible supplements.