Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The growing consumption of junk food and sugary drinks among children has led to a significant rise in dental issues at an early age, warn experts from the Government Dental College.
“Approximately 70 children visit the OPD daily, with the majority presenting cavity-related problems. Only 30 per cent of cases involved cavities about a decade ago and now the number has increased to 70 per cent. Dr Kuldeep Rana highlighted that packaged snacks are the leading cause of dental cavities.
Parents often fail to recognise the harm until children experience severe pain, by which time treatments like root canals become necessary. “Early intervention, such as cavity fillings, is far more effective and less costly. Experts also caution that high sugar intake not only harms teeth but can also make children hyperactive,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Vishal Khandelwal, a paediatric dentist, said that children aged 2.5 to 8 years often neglect brushing and rinsing, leading to gum and tooth diseases. Improper care can result in premature loss of milk teeth, sometimes causing permanent teeth to emerge misaligned.
“Parents should avoid giving young children sweets, juice, and chocolates, as early exposure to sugary foods fosters unhealthy cravings,” he advised. Both the experts stressed that parents should monitor children’s dental health closely and consult specialists at the first sign of problems.
By adopting better dietary habits and hygiene practices, families can prevent long-term dental issues and ensure better oral health outcomes.
