Dentist Advises Parents to Use Cotton Wool and Salt to Clean Children’s Teeth

 

Abraham, who is the Director, Graceland Oral Health and Medical Care, Abuja, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Monday.

He advised that children should get to 12 months before toothbrushes could be introduced, to avoid intake of the paste.

``If you are the type that starts with toothpaste, don’t use too much, so that the child will not ingest the paste.

``Gradually introduce the use of toothpaste when the child is about 12 months old and start using toothbrush.

``Make sure the child brushes every morning and night, just before bedtime because that will reduce the incidence of tooth decay,’’ he said. 

The doctor said that tooth decay was modern age related, because in the Stone Age it was none existent, adding that it was also based on ones diet.

``It is what we eat and what we do that brings about tooth decay,'' he said. 

He explained that tooth decay was in three stages, the first stage is the hole in the tooth, and it might not cause problem or pain.

He said that the second stage was when food entered the hole, adding that one felt pains when food entered the hole while the pain disappeared when the tooth was removed.

``The third stage is when one cannot bear the pain, you see the person rolling on the ground or holding the cheeks and having sleepless nights'' Abraham said.

He advised that once holes were noticed in the teeth, it was best to visit the hospital.

``When there are holes in the tooth, it is best to visit the hospital and the dentist is the next person to see.

``If your child has a hole in the tooth, take the child to a dentist,'' Abraham said.

He said that in any sweet thing one took the person should ensure the mouth was rinsed very well, because that would reduce the incidence of tooth decay.

He advised that to prevent bacteria from harbouring in the teeth, one should learn to clean the teeth well.

``But when you are careless with your teeth, the dentist has to take over.

``That is why we say, visit a dentist twice every year, to check your oral hygiene,’’ he said.