Eci Anggina_221051027_Kesehatan Gigi_1A

 Name  : Eci Anggina

 Nim     : 221051027

 Class   : Gigi 1A 

Impact Of Sweets On Children's Teeth 

The Impact of Excess Sugar on Children's Dental Health

Talking about the impact of excess sugar on children, of course, is not complete if you haven't discussed how it affects dental health.

What are the effects of excess sugar intake on children's oral and dental health?

Quoting the American Dental Association page, dental caries is explained as a condition that occurs when bacteria that live in dental plaque produce acids that lower the pH on the tooth surface. This can lead to demineralization, with calcium and phosphate diffusing out of the tooth enamel.

As a result, the structure and outer layer of the tooth becomes damaged or eroded, then gradually eats away at the dentine or the middle layer of the tooth. In severe cases, it is not impossible if the erosion continues until it reaches the cementum or tooth root.

Dental Caries in Children from Sweet Foods and Drinks?

In general, the development of dental caries in children is influenced by many factors, such as previous medical history, fluoride use, and diet. Dietary factors also include the amount of sugar consumed, the concentration of sugar in food, the physical form of carbohydrates, oral retention (how long teeth are exposed to a decrease in plaque pH). 

Recent research published in the Journal of Public Health (Oxford, England) in 2017 revealed that children under the age of 5 who often consume sweet foods such as candy, chocolate and soft drinks are at high risk of developing caries.

Parents rarely pay attention to how to consume sugar for children, even though excess sugar consumption is very influential on children's teeth.

Dental caries can occur due to Streptococcus mutans bacteria.

Streptococcus Mutans Bacteria

Streptococcus mutans, even though it is a normal flora under certain circumstances, these bacteria can turn into pathogens due to predisposing factors, namely oral hygiene.  Dental caries is caused by food residue that accumulates in the oral cavity and teeth, especially foods that have a high glucose content such as carbohydrate foods, candy, sugar and other sweet foods which will form plaque on the surface of the teeth.  Plaque comes from a mixture of mutant Streptococcus bacteria and food debris that sticks to teeth.  A layer of plaque will form within 20 minutes of consuming food.  The acid formed by mutant Streptococcus bacteria in plaque will dissolve tooth enamel, resulting in dental caries.

Handling Children's Dental Problems from an Early Age

Tips that parents can do to maintain the health of their children's teeth: 

1. Teach children to brush their teeth from an early age.
2. Use toothpaste with fluoride content.
3. Be a good example for children in maintaining healthy teeth and mouth.
4. Introduce children to healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. Also, avoid snacking on sticky, sugary foods and drinks between big meals.
5. Avoid giving sweet food gifts to children.
6. Invite children to regularly check with a pediatric dentist at least once every 6 months.