Promoting kids’ oral health: How leveraging technology can prevent early childhood cavities

Zhang Meng, director, Oclean’s Oral Health Research Institution | Image credit: Zhang Meng

Technology is king these days, starting at a very young age. For kids aged 2 to 5 yeas, they spend more than 2 hours a day on screens, and that includes TV, tablets, and phones.¹ As they get older, that time increases to 4 to 6 hours a day, and by the time they’re teens, it’s more than 9 hours. ²

Because of this, it makes sense to use technology to get children on board regarding things like oral health care as early as possible. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early in life helps prevent dental problems like cavities and promotes overall health, affecting everything from speech development to nutrition.

In very young children, after parents, pediatricians are the first line of defense when it comes to helping them protect their children’s oral health: preventing early childhood cavities and introducing children to smart oral care technology that makes brushing more fun, effective, and engaging. Because parents must assist their children with early dental care, guidance from pediatricians prior to those first dentist visits is crucial. With early intervention and the right tools, we can ensure that kids grow up with strong, healthy teeth that will last a lifetime.

The growing concern of early childhood cavities (ECC)

Early Childhood Cavities (ECC) are a significant public health issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cavities in children are the most prevalent chronic condition, affecting 20% of children ages 5 to 11.³ Although this condition is largely preventable, it continues to impact millions of children in the U.S. each year, leading to not only pain and discomfort but also missed school days, poor nutrition, and low self-esteem.

Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, have less enamel than permanent teeth, making them more susceptible to decay, which is one reason it is important to establish a good dental care routine immediately.⁴ Cavities occur in about 21% of primary teeth in children aged 2-5, 51% in permanent teeth in children aged 6-11, and 54% in adolescents aged 12-19. ⁵

The prevention of ECC is often tied to consistent brushing, regular dental visits, and proper nutrition, all of which pediatricians can promote during check-ups.

Promoting kids’ oral health: How leveraging technology can prevent early childhood cavities | Image Credit: © Peakstock - stock.adobe.com.

Why pediatricians should be proactive in preventing ECC

Although pediatricians focus on general health care, they’re the first, and often only, providers that a child sees in the early stages of life. That’s why they’re the ideal source of guidance on establishing oral care habits. By incorporating oral health education into routine visits, pediatricians can help prevent the development of cavities and other oral diseases in children.

Pediatricians should encourage parents to establish an oral care routine when the first tooth erupts, typically around 6 months of age. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that early introduction to oral care practices can reduce the incidence of dental decay later in life. ⁶

Pediatricians should advise the following steps for babies:⁷

• Before teeth erupt, parents should wipe gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth after the first feeding and then again before bed to wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause tooth decay
• As teeth start to come in, parents can start brushing twice a day with a soft, small-bristled toothbrush and plain water
• Beginning dentist visits by the age of one is generally recommended
• Advise parents of the benefits of fluoride varnish on teeth as they erupt. Fluoride varnish can help prevent about 33% of cavities in baby teeth.

In children, the following steps are recommended:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (after the age of 2 years)
• Parents will likely need to help their children brush properly, especially before the age of 6, to ensure they’re using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and spitting it out rather than swallowing it.
• Recommend parents ask their pediatric dentist to apply sealants to back teeth as appropriate, as it can prevent 80% of cavities⁷
• Recommend parents watch for decay beginning in the upper front teeth, which can also be called baby bottle rot. This occurs when babies and young children are put to bed with milk or other sugary drinks. Because of the minimal enamel on primary teeth, decay will start to appear on the front teeth as white dots.⁸
• Additionally, recommend keeping an eye on the back molars. Decay most often starts there because of all the pits and grooves that can collect food particles. They are also more difficult to clean thoroughly.⁹

In addition to brushing, pediatricians can educate parents about the impact of diet on oral health. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks is crucial to reducing the risk of cavities, as sugary foods can contribute to plaque buildup, which, if left unchecked, can lead to tooth decay. Sugary beverages are one of the biggest reasons for childhood dental decay, leading to the recommendation not to give children under age 2 years sugary drinks.¹⁰ That’s because sugar promotes bacterial growth in dental plaque, which produces acid that demineralizes enamel and leads to cavities.

Technology as a tool for better brushing habits

While education about diet and brushing is critical, technology can also significantly improve kids' oral health routines. As children are increasingly exposed to smart devices, smart toothbrushes and water flossers have become effective tools for engaging kids and making dental care fun and effective.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry showed that children who used a smart toothbrush significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis compared to those using a manual toothbrush. ¹¹

One of the reasons could be that using smart toothbrushes engages children in the process. They enjoy the process if it feels like a game more than a chore.

There are many options for smart toothbrushes, and lines like Oclean’s have features that feed into that idea for children. They are equipped with pressure sensors and timing features, allowing pediatricians and parents to monitor the child’s brushing performance. The brushes sync with a mobile app, where parents can track their child's brushing habits and receive feedback on how well their child is brushing. It teaches children better brushing techniques and ensures they’re brushing for the correct amount of time. This data-driven approach provides insight into how effectively a child is brushing and motivates children to improve by setting goals and earning rewards for consistent brushing.

Water flossers: A game-changer for interdental cleaning

While brushing is crucial, it’s only part of maintaining healthy teeth. Flossing is another essential habit that many children struggle to incorporate into their daily routines. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children begin flossing when their teeth start to touch, typically around age 2 or 3.¹²

For younger children, traditional floss can be tricky and uncomfortable. For those children aged 2 to 3, flossing should be assisted by parents using floss picks. Once children are older, about age 9 and above, the introduction of water flossers has revolutionized the way they clean between their teeth. Water flossers, like the ones offered by Oclean, use high-pressure water jets to clean interdental spaces and below the gum line. These devices are especially useful for children with braces, gaps in their teeth, or other dental appliances that make flossing difficult.

According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, water flossers are highly effective in removing plaque, improving gum health, and preventing gingivitis.¹³ For children, water flossers offer a painless and fun alternative to traditional flossing, making them more likely to engage in the habit consistently.

Conclusion

Preventing early childhood cavities and promoting good oral hygiene habits is a responsibility that pediatricians can’t take lightly. By starting oral care routines early, educating parents about the importance of diet and regular dental visits, and introducing smart technology that makes brushing and flossing easier and more enjoyable, pediatricians can help children maintain healthy teeth for a lifetime.

Disclosure:

Zhang Meng serves as the director of the Oral Health Research Institution for oral care brand Oclean. Zhang is a certified health manager and an oral health ambassador for China’s Oral Health Foundation.

References:

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