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Are Kids More Prone to Cavities at a Certain Age? The Truth About Tooth Decay in Kids
You work so hard to take good care of your preschooler’s teeth, only to find that he has a cavity. It doesn’t seem to make sense, even though you give him fewer candies and sugary treats.
If this sounds more or less familiar, then this article is for you.
Knowing our kids’ teeth better will help us take care of them in the best way. Tooth decay in kids, particularly in the age group of 3-5 years is common given the physiology of milk teeth and the way eating habits evolve. Read below to know more about cavities.
What Causes Cavities in Kids
There are many factors that cause cavities in children. Let’s discuss some of the significant ones.
1. Milk Teeth Are More Prone to Cavities
As milk teeth have thinner enamel and are soft, cavities can form and advance rapidly through them. This makes milk teeth more prone to cavities. Also, did you know cavities in milk teeth increase the risk of cavities in adult teeth too? Hence it becomes essential to take greater care of them and invest in good quality products. One such product is Colgate Kids 3-5 Years Toothpaste, which protects against cavities and has a 50% lesser abrasive formula to clean milk teeth gently. Accompanied with a Colgate Kids Toothbrush, with soft bristles and right head size which helps kids brush well.
2. Oral Bacterial Is Transmissible
Tooth decay in children is an infectious, transmissible bacterial disease. There are certain harmful bacteria inside our mouths which damage the teeth and finally cause cavities.
Cavity-causing bacteria can be transferred to children through saliva. Anyone can pass on the bacteria, including other children/ parents. The more often a child’s mouth comes into contact with saliva containing cavity-causing bacteria, the more likely it is that harmful bacteria will colonise the child’s mouth, leading to the formation of cavities. Hence, it's best to avoid sharing spoons/utensils which can enable saliva contact.
3. Dietary Habits
Kids love candies and sugary snacks, while cavity-causing bacteria love sugar. So, it isn’t surprising that frequent consumption of sugary snacks and drinks increases the child’s risk of developing cavities. Also, sweets are not the only problematic foods. Any food items containing fermentable carbohydrates (that are broken down into sugars while still inside the mouth) can feed the cavity-causing bacteria. This means that along with sugary foods, processed, starchy foods like biscuits, chips, and white bread are bad for your child’s teeth.
4. The Frequency of Sugar Consumption
Gorging on sugary foods throughout the day is far worse for your child’s teeth than eating the same total quantity of sugary treats all at once, soon after a meal. And starchy and sugary foods that remain in your child’s mouth for a long time, like hard candies or toffee and raisins, are more harmful to your child’s teeth than foods that get cleared out of the mouth swiftly, like yogurt.
4. Brushing in an Incorrect Manner
As you know, poor dental hygiene habits in children increase the risk of developing cavities. Hence, it is very important to brush your child’s teeth twice a day. It is also important that you supervise the brushing and help your child brush in the right manner till you are confident that the child has learnt to brush well on their own.
How Can Cavities Be Prevented in Kids Between 3-5 Years of Age?
Here's how cavities can be prevented:
Start good dental habits early. Teach your child to brush his teeth at least twice daily with a kid-friendly toothpaste like the Colgate Kids Toothpaste & Toothbrush and to floss regularly.
Limit or avoid certain foods like sugary snacks, candies, and juices. If your child does eat these foods, have him rinse his mouth or brush his teeth after eating to get rid of the sugar.
Drinking enough water per day, throughout the day, is one of the easiest habits for preventing the formation of dental cavities in children. Water helps flush harmful bacteria from the mouth and stops acid from building up on the teeth.
Take good care of your own dental health. If you have a history of dental problems, avoid sharing toothbrushes or utensils with your child. Of course, you should make it a point to brush and floss well, and get any oral problems treated at the earliest. This will also create a good example for your child and show him that protecting his teeth is essential.
Ensure you and your child make routine visits to the dentist once a year for dental check-ups even if the teeth appear healthy.
Kids love to learn new things. It is essential for us to teach them the correct way of brushing their teeth and maintaining good dental hygiene. The habits they establish when they are young stay with them all through their lives!
If you wish to know more about the Colgate Kids Oral Care Range, view them here.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics for children. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Also Read:
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) in Children
Common Teeth Problems in Children Read more
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Mahatma Gandhi Quiz—Not Just for Kids!
Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, had an indispensable role to play in India's freedom movement. As citizens of free India, your children must know about his life and times and the struggle he put in to help us attain freedom from British rule. This October 2, organize a Mahatma Gandhi quiz at home for your kids. Use these quiz questions related to Mahatma Gandhi and have fun quizzing!
15 Quiz Questions On Mahatma Gandhi With Answers
1. Who called Gandhiji as ‘Mahatma’?
Answer: Rabindranath Tagore
2. Who is considered as spiritual guru of Gandhiji?
Answer: Leo Tolstoy
3. Where was Mahatma Gandhi born?
Answer: Porbandar, India – It is a coastal city in Gujarat, also known for being the birthplace of Sudama
4. What is Mahatma Gandhi’s first name?
Answer: Mohandas
5. What is the name of Mahatma Gandhi’s parents?
Answer: Karamchand and Putlibai Gandhi
6. What did Gandhiji call freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose?
Answer: Patriot
7. What is the significance of the Gandhi Memorial in Kanyakumari?
Answer: Gandhiji's ashes were kept here before immersion in the sea on February 12, 1948
8. When was the Mahatma Gandhi Series of banknotes issued by the Reserve Bank of India?
Answer: 1996
9. Who is the author of Gandhiji’s favourite Bhajan ‘Vaishnava jana to tene kahiye’?
Answer: Narsi Mehta – The bhajan speaks about the ideals of a Vaishnava Jana or a follower of Lord Vishnu
10. What was the civil disobedience movement where the British were asked to leave India called?
Answer: Quit India Movement
11. Who led the salt Satyagraha Movement with Gandhi?
Answer: Sarojini Naidu
12. How is the date of Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India in 1915 observed now?
Answer: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
13. When is the International Day of Non-Violence celebrated?
Answer: October 2 -- apt, isn't it?
14. Where is Sabarmati Ashram?
Answer: Ahmedabad – It was formerly known as “Satyagraha Ashram"
15. By which name is Gandhi lovingly called by his countrymen?
Answer: Bapu – It is a Gujarati endearment for "father" or "papa"
Take a trip down India's history with these general knowledge questions on Mahatma Gandhi. What's more, this Gandhi Jayanti quiz can be fun not just for the kids but also the adults. Just add some fun buzzers and cool gifts at the end! Read more
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5 Inspirational Movies You Can Watch With Your Kids
Kids, especially those from 4-9 years want to experience everything around them. Apart from playing outdoor/indoor games, they also want to explore television shows, cartoons and movies. We, as parents, are always in a dilemma about what to let a kid watch and for how much time.
We need to limit screen time. However, if your child is still keen on watching television, why not let him/her watch kids movies or inspirational movies that can be beneficial in terms of understanding the practical aspects of life? I have brought you a list of inspirational movies that can be watched by a child.
First, you should watch the full movie and then watch it again with your kid, so that you can answer all the questions that she has while watching the movie. Also, this allows you to take a call on whether you want your child to watch a particular movie or not.
1. Sniff
This is a light-hearted children’s film that depicts a child who cannot smell. An accident in the school lab and what happens next is not only attention-grabbing but also surprising and interesting.
Takeaway: The child learns to have empathy for others. Also, it clearly shows that nothing is impossible in this huge world if she wishes to do it.
2. I Am Kalam
This is a delightful kids’ film about Chhotu, a poor child labourer who is inspired by Dr APJ Kalam. He wants to go to school and learn English but his poverty does not allow him to. However, he leaves no stone unturned to fight his destiny.
Takeaway: The child learns to follow the dreams.
3. Taare Zameen Par
A story about an 8-year old boy who is thought of as a trouble-maker and daydreamer until an unconventional art teacher helps his parents realise that their son has dyslexia.
Takeaway: Parents who expect their child to get good grades without understanding their real potential can learn a lot from this film.
4. Dumbo
A fantasy adventure film about a young baby elephant whose over-sized ears enable him to fly, and how he helps save his struggling circus.
Takeaway: Along with adventure and drama, the entire story portrays many emotional phases and makes your child develop a sense of sympathy and love for animals.
5. Malli
A film developed by CFSI, Children’s Film Society India, Malli, a poor tribal girl in Kerala, helps her family by fetching firewood and spending time with her hearing- and speech-impaired friend. Things take a turn when she learns about a magical blue stone that can help her friend.
Takeaway: Hearty moments touch the soul and explain that friendship is above all. Also, it teaches your child to treat the animals with love.
A few movies which I liked watching with my daughter are:
Cinderella
Barbie
Beauty and the Beast
The Little Mermaid
Bhootnath
Every child is different and so we are parents. Their choices may differ from ours. Spend some time watching these movies with your kids. They will really love them.
Hope you like this post. Please share your thoughts with me. Love to hear from you all. Thanks.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Amma, Who is India? When Your Kid is a Question Bank!!
Amma, Who is India? My 3-year-old son asked me as soon as he returned from school. But, there is no one called India in our school, then why do we say 'I Love India'?
I love Amma, I love Appa but who is this India? Now, how do I explain to a 3-year-old about countries and continents? Rather will he understand the concept? So, I try to make it simple.
Me - India is our country, baby.
He - What is a country?
Me - A country is where we live.
He - But we live in our Bangalore house (for him Bangalore is not a place, it's a house, as in; we live in our Bangalore house, our neighbours live in their Bangalore houses, his grandparents live in their Alleppy house)
Me - Yes, we live in Bangalore and Bangalore is in India.
He - Like baby is in you ( I am pregnant with our second kid).
Me - Speechless. God help me !!!
(Something else catches his attention and he runs towards that.)
Me - Thank God! Henceforth I should always turn on Google search.
He - Immediately runs to me and asks who Google is.
Me - Baby, Google is .......
I try to answer one question and pop comes another one.
My chatterbox is so full of questions and I enjoy answering them all. I am pretty sure all parents have gone through this.
Kids are so curious that they want to know everything, their questions might be silly but it makes us think a lot and sometimes, we find it really difficult to answer.
This silliness is what makes them adorable, this silliness is what makes them fun to be with, and in that silliness lies happiness , in those silly questions lies intelligence.
Where is the other half of the moon?
Why should we sleep?
Why is the sheep black?
Why doesn't the Sun God show up at night?
Why is it dark at night?
Go on, my 'Question Bank' goes on!!!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
11 mins ago
Q. Hi doctor, am in 9th month of pregnancy. Whenever I lie down in right side for quite a long period of time like straight 10-15min I get breathing issues. how to stop that
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
6 mins ago
A. see cardio. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 mins ago
Q. in my pregnancy USG report their is written,
the foetal umbilical artery show mild high resistance flow pattern.. what does it mean is their is any risk...
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
10 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
10 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert it's my last month I am getting clear white discharge every day in morning
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
7 mins ago
A. Hello there, mam. Please do not worry about it too much. It is completely normal and nothing to worry. Also, if you get red discharge, then please get yourself evaluated by your doctor. Please eat healthy food items which are rich in iron and calcium. Also continue taking the supplements as suggested by your gynaecologist.
Thanks and take care
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
10 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert hi doctor , what is ideal height & weight for twin girls in their 9th month? birth weights 2.1 & 2.4 , birth day : 10-08-2023
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
7 mins ago
A. dear parent, the ideal weight of your twin girls at the age of 9th month should be around 7.5 kg to 8 kg. also if your twins are active, playful and achieving all growth milestones then it indicates good health.
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 mins ago
Q. Hello doctor, how many hours of fasting is required between breakfast and lunch for a 2 year old baby to eat lunch properly. My daughter is a very fussy eater and refuses to eat any food even without tasting it. She walks away as soon as I bring the food plate. Please advise.
Read moreSunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
5 mins ago
A. fasting ????
there should be gap of 2 hrs between feeds meals...
between breakfast and lunch u cn gv mid morning any fruits...
as apple banana sapota pear...papaya...
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert my side stomach is paining
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
New Answer
A. In this a needful assessment is required therefore in this query it is preferable to contact nearby doctor and accordingly the doctor will guide you in a correct way .
Ingjk case you have further doubts online consultation can be taken on the platform and detailed discussion can be done about this and it will help you .
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