One of the best ways to ensure good health and proper development in babies is to pay attention to oral care. An infant has 20 primary teeth already present at birth, even though these teeth only begin coming in when the baby is around 6 months old. Good oral hygiene starts as early as infancy.
A popular misconception is that since baby teeth will ultimately be replaced by permanent ones, infant oral hygiene isn’t that important. However, the fact that the incidence of early childhood tooth decay has increased means that this not the case. With proper care and the right products, the oral health of babies can be greatly improved.
In 2015, the global baby oral care market stood at $1.16 billion, and according to analysts at Technavio, will grow at a CAGR of over 2% by 2020.
Why oral care matters
Many dentists recommend a visit to the clinic before a child turns 1 year old in order to ensure that teeth and gums are cared for and cleaned properly. As the enamel of primary teeth is less densely mineralized than that of permanent teeth, it is more susceptible to cavities. Primary teeth not only help with chewing and correct word pronunciation, they also provide proper alignment and spacing for permanent teeth.
Following a proper oral care routine from an early stage leads to a foundation for healthy and strong permanent teeth. Parents are usually advised to clean the gums of the infant after feeding. Once teething begins, a special set of brushes are required. There are toothbrushes specifically designed for babies, with a much smaller head that makes it easier to clean their teeth. Regular visits to a pediatric dentist are necessary to remove plaque build-up. This combined with proper brushing and flossing can substantially reduce the chances of cavities.
Another reason why oral hygiene is so important for babies is that poor oral health can lead to the body being exposed to bacteria. Germs from the mouth can go directly into the blood stream and impact overall health. With clean teeth, the possibility of this happening is significantly reduced.
Today’s market is flooded with oral care products for babies. From special toothpaste to highly customized toothbrushes, these products not only help maintain clean, healthy teeth, but also incorporate an element of “fun,” making it easier for adults to practice good oral habits with their children on a regular basis.
Johnson & Johnson, P&G, Church & Dwight, Pigeon, Colgate-Palmolive and Unilever are some of the key vendors in the global baby oral care market.
Apart from maintaining good oral hygiene, a balanced diet also plays an important role in keeping teeth healthy. Consumption of foods rich in calcium and limited intake of sweets, especially before bed time, is recommended by all leading dentists.
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