Dr Kakra Bonsu Appiah, Head of the Dental and Oral Surgery Department at the Tema General Hospital, has advised parents to introduce their children to dental care as soon as their first teeth appear.

Dr Appiah emphasised that early oral hygiene practices could prevent long-term dental problems and ensure strong and healthy teeth for life.

He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the best time to start taking care of a child’s teeth was as soon as the first tooth emerged, stating that dental care was essential for ensuring proper oral health and preventing potential issues that may arise as the child grows.

He added that introducing children to dental care also gave parents guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, including the correct way to clean their child’s teeth and gums, the importance of fluoride, and dietary habits that support strong and healthy teeth.

He said establishing good oral hygiene habits from the beginning prevents cavities, gum diseases, and other dental issues while setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy living, and encouraging limiting sugary diets, as they were a leading cause of cavities.

Moreover, Mr Appiah recommended brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, ensuring children eat a balanced diet and urged caregivers to be role models by practicing good oral hygiene themselves.

The dentist also cautioned against prolonged thumb-sucking, a common habit among young children, saying that although it might seem harmless, it could cause the development of an open bite, where the upper and lower front teeth do not meet properly when the child closes their mouth.

He said this misalignment could affect their ability to bite and chew food effectively and might also lead to speech difficulties, such as problems with pronunciation and articulation.

The dentist pleaded with parents to ensure that their child’s dental development remained on track to reduce the risk of future oral health issues. –GNA