Some parents believe that since children are young, their teeth are not fully developed, and their diet is not complex, so brushing is not necessary. This is incorrect. Bacteria are always present in our mouths, and if we do not brush promptly, bacteria that colonize the teeth will decompose food and produce acidic substances. Over time, this can easily lead to the occurrence of cavities.

Starting from the first milk tooth eruption, parents can begin brushing their child's teeth. In infancy, parents can use gauze to help clean the teeth; when the child is learning to use brushing tools, parents can teach them by looking in the mirror; once the child learns to use a toothbrush, it's important to develop the habit of brushing at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time.

Indeed, the more sugar a child consumes, the higher the risk of developing cavities. However, in addition to breaking down sugar to produce acid, bacteria in the mouth also break down starchy substances in food to produce acid. Therefore, even if a child doesn't eat sugar, they may still develop cavities.

Children need to understand how to eat sugar scientifically. From the perspective of preventing cavities, children should focus on the "frequency" and "form" of sugar consumption, not just the "amount" of sugar they eat in a day. Research shows that as the frequency of sugar intake increases, the risk of developing cavities also increases. In simple terms, the same amount of sugar, if eaten in multiple small doses, keeps teeth in an acidic environment for longer, increasing the risk of decay. Therefore, it's recommended that children reduce the frequency of sugar consumption and avoid frequent snacking between meals; be cautious of liquid sugars like drinks and juices, which can quickly coat the entire mouth and are easily overconsumed; eat less sticky sugars like toffee, which increase the time sugar stays on the tooth surface and are difficult to clean; and rinse the mouth immediately after eating sweets.

The World Health Organization recommends limiting the daily intake of added sugar to less than 10% of total energy intake. If it can be further controlled to less than 5%, approximately 25 grams or 6 teaspoons of white sugar—about equivalent to a few cookies or a small cake—would be even more beneficial for health.

As long as we control the frequency and amount of sugar intake and enhance protection, we can enjoy the deliciousness of sugar while also taking care of our teeth.

Some parents believe that a child's baby teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth, so there's no need to treat decayed baby teeth. This is incorrect. If a child's baby teeth develop cavities, parents must take them for treatment promptly. Aesthetically pleasing and healthy teeth are of great importance to a child's physical and mental development. Specifically, the occurrence of cavities in baby teeth has the following effects.

First, it affects chewing function. If cavities in baby teeth are not treated in a timely manner, they will continue to develop. For example, the teeth may develop defects, affecting chewing efficiency. When cavities progress further and damage the tooth nerve, the child may experience redness, swelling, and pain in the gums.

Second, it affects permanent teeth. When cavities progress further to damage the tooth nerve, the nerve will become inflamed, then necrotic, and finally lead to inflammation around the tooth root, affecting the developing permanent teeth and causing varying degrees of structural defects in them. Mild defects are point-like with color changes, moderate defects are band-like, and more severe defects are poor overall tooth structure, appearing honeycomb-like or mulberry-like. Additionally, it can cause abnormal eruption of the inherited permanent teeth, affecting the establishment of normal occlusal relationships.

Thirdly, it affects appearance, social interaction, and psychology. Cavities can cause teeth to turn black or yellow, and their shape may also be damaged—when a child's teeth are different from others, they might be afraid to smile. If they are mocked, they may feel inferior, be reluctant to socialize, which is not conducive to their mental health and social development.

Most people feel fear when they mention going to the dentist, the "sizzling" sound of the drill, the feeling of pain, making them nervous and scared. However, not going to the dentist when teeth don't hurt is wrong.

Many oral diseases have no symptoms in their early stages. For example, at the shallow and moderate stages of cavities, children cannot feel anything abnormal. When cavities are deep or damage the tooth nerve, children will feel pain, and at that point, treatment may no longer be as simple as a filling, requiring more complex and painful root canal treatment, which we call "not fixing small holes leads to bigger problems."

Prevention is better than cure. Just as we rely on regular check-ups to maintain overall health, teeth also need regular protection—cleaning tartar through dental cleanings to keep the mouth healthy; enhancing cavity resistance through measures like fluoride application and sealants; and checking the oral hygiene status to discover early dental issues.

Therefore, even if teeth don't hurt, it's important to visit the dentist regularly, which helps maintain dental health.

Orthodontic treatment not only concerns the alignment of teeth but also relates to the development of the jawbone and the establishment of occlusal function. Orthodontic treatment can be performed during the deciduous dentition stage (3~5 years old) and the mixed dentition stage (6~13 years old).

During the deciduous dentition stage, if parents notice that their child has an "underbite," where the lower jaw protrudes forward, they should take the child to a pediatric dental clinic and orthodontic clinic for intervention in a timely manner. Otherwise, the "underbite" can become increasingly severe as the child grows.

During the mixed dentition stage, parents need to pay attention to whether their child has issues such as a "small chin," "teeth crowding," or "deep bite." If any of these problems are detected, early consultation is necessary. If parents are unable to determine the issue, it is recommended to take the child to the orthodontic department for a check-up after the child's first permanent molars and central incisors begin to erupt, to determine if intervention is needed in the early stages of jawbone growth and development.

For permanent teeth orthodontics, it is generally appropriate to intervene promptly after all permanent teeth have erupted, typically around the age of 12~13 for the child.

After a child reaches adulthood, jaw development is essentially complete. At this point, undergoing orthodontic treatment to improve tooth alignment and facial profile becomes more difficult, and the treatment process becomes more complex. It is recommended that parents seek early dental care if they notice any dental issues in their children to avoid missing the golden period for intervention.