"90% of children come with cavities already." A pediatric dentist on the role of baby teeth, parents' mistakes, and prevention

Many parents still believe that treating milk teeth is pointless since they will fall out sooner or later. However, this approach can lead to serious bite problems, early tooth loss, and the need to treat permanent teeth in childhood.

According to the Ministry of Health, an analysis showed that the prevalence of caries among children aged 2 to 18 is quite high. In toddlers aged 2 to 6 years, caries is observed in 79-100% of cases, and by the age of 18, this figure reaches 94.8%.

Children's dentist Aytursun Myrzakarimova shared information in an interview with AKIpress about the problems children most often face, when to take a child to the dentist for the first time, and how to minimize the risk of complications.

- What is the prevalence of dental problems among children?

- In general, in practice, we observe that about 90% of children coming for a check-up have caries. It can be at different stages of development—from initial to complicated. This high percentage indicates that preventive measures are still insufficient.

- Where should preventive measures begin?

- The first thing I recommend is regular oral hygiene at home. It is also extremely important to visit the dentist every six months.

Nevertheless, many parents continue to think that treating milk teeth is unnecessary since they will fall out sooner or later. This is a serious misconception that can lead to severe consequences.

- What is the role of milk teeth if they will be replaced by permanent ones anyway?

- Milk teeth are important for forming the bite and the proper eruption of permanent teeth.

Most often, we see children aged 3 to 6 years with complications from superficial caries—such as pulpitis and periodontitis. Parents do not always notice caries at the initial stage.

As a result, teeth often have to be removed, which can lead to the displacement of permanent teeth and bite disorders, and in the future, require orthodontic treatment.

- What dental problems are most common?

- In practice, we encounter complicated forms of caries, and periodontitis often ends with tooth extractions.

Moreover, we notice that many parents are unaware that permanent teeth begin to erupt at age 6. They come in with caries or even pulpitis of permanent teeth and are surprised: "Why is this? It's just a milk tooth; it should fall out."

We always emphasize that at the age of 5-6 years, preventive check-ups are necessary to, for example, perform fissure sealing and protect permanent teeth from caries.

- When should a child first visit the dentist?

- The first visit to the dentist should occur after the first teeth appear, which is around 6-7 months.

At this stage, we check whether the teeth are growing correctly and if there are any issues with their eruption. From this time, the child should be under regular dental supervision.

- How does the formation of teeth and bite occur?

- Each tooth has its own eruption timeline. The first milk incisors appear around 6 months, and the process of forming the milk bite usually completes by the age of 2.

It is important not to wait until the child starts taking care of their teeth on their own. Hygiene should begin with the appearance of the first teeth, even if it is just a careful cleaning with a cotton pad.

- When should teeth be brushed?

- From the moment the first teeth appear. Gradually, getting the child accustomed to hygiene procedures.

Yes, at first, children may resist, cry, and not want to brush their teeth. But if brushing is skipped, the child may develop a habit of not caring for their oral cavity, which will directly affect the development of caries.

- How to choose hygiene products for a child?

- It depends on the child's age. For children under 2 years—gentle cleaning, special finger attachments without toothpaste.

From 2 to 5 years—safe fluoride toothpaste can be used to reduce the risk of caries.

From 6 years, when permanent teeth begin to appear, it is advisable to switch to adult medium-hard toothbrushes and adult toothpaste.

Many parents are unaware of this and continue to use children's brushes, which are no longer suitable for permanent teeth.

- What preventive methods are available today?

- In pediatric dentistry, application gels, fissure sealing, and other preventive methods are used. However, I do not recommend that parents use such products independently without a prior examination by a doctor.

Caries is a disease, and before starting any prevention, it is necessary to assess its stage and the overall condition of the child's teeth.

- How to manage children's consumption of sweets during holidays and in everyday life?

- It is impossible to completely exclude sweets from a child's diet, especially during holidays. However, there are simple and effective measures for prevention.

After consuming sweet foods or drinks, such as soda, chocolate, or jelly, it is sufficient to rinse the mouth with plain water.

And, of course, brushing teeth in the morning and evening should be mandatory.

It is important to understand that prevention is always easier, cheaper, and safer than treating complications. Regular check-ups, proper hygiene, and parental awareness can prevent most dental problems in children.