The development of teeth begins even before birth. The teeth develop from a tooth strip. First the crown of the tooth is formed and when it is fully developed, the root growth begins.
Even during the embryonic development the hard tooth substance is already formed. That is why the mother should take in enough calcium already in this phase so that the need for calcium is not satisfied from the bone. For the healthy development of the child during pregnancy, the mother must take in sufficient minerals and vitamins.
This also benefits the teeth already in development.
- After birth until 6 months of age, the baby has no teeth and therefore milk is the only food it can eat. Breast milk is the most natural and best way to provide the infant with all the necessary nutrients, minerals and vitamins, at the ideal temperature.
Most importantly, breast milk also contains antibodies against infections that the newborn baby lacks. If breast milk is not available, the industry offers milk powders that are adapted to the ingredients of breast milk, but without antibodies. The correct shape of the teat on the bottle supports the development of the jaw
- From the 6th month onwards, the first milk teeth break through and the child now receives a porridge food and, above all, a supply of vitamin D, a vitamin that is essential for the development of bones and teeth.
Vitamins A and C also play an important role for the oral mucosa and gums and should be included in the diet. When taking vitamin D, however, care should be taken to ensure that the correct dose is chosen to avoid overdoses. The correct supply of vitamins A, C and D to the infant should therefore be ensured by the pediatrician.
The hardening of the dental enamel also depends on the intake of fluoride. The administration of fluoride tablets ensures the accumulation of fluoride in the bloodstream already during the development of the teeth before they break through into the oral cavity. The dosage of fluoride tablets depends on the age of the child.
The following values can serve as a guideline:
If the dosage is too high, damage may occur to the teeth that have not yet broken through. They show themselves in brownish discolorations. They are an aesthetic problem and are not reversible.
If the teeth have broken through into the oral cavity, fluoride can no longer damage the enamel.
- 1- 2 years 0.25 milligram
- 2- 4 years 0.50 milligram
- 4- 6 years 0.75 milligram
- From 7 years 1.00 milligram
The biggest enemy for the health of teeth is sugar. Sugar can be broken down by the bacteria found in dental plaque into acids that attack the enamel and thus lead to caries.
Sugar is a carbohydrate and is present in many foods. Hidden sugar is mainly found in baked goods and beverages. Honey also contains a lot of sugar and is also sticky and therefore easily attached to the teeth.
Instead of sweet fruit juices, it is better to enjoy fresh fruit. Like uncooked vegetables, this has the side effect of encouraging chewing, which means that the harder particles clean the teeth to some extent and stimulate the chewing organ. At the same time, saliva secretion is increased, which also helps to clean the teeth.
With acidic fruit juices such as grapefruit or orange juice, however, one should wait 1⁄2 hour before brushing teeth, because the acid slightly roughens the enamel. The saliva smoothes the enamel again during this time. The desire for sweets is a natural need of children.
It is very difficult to stop it. Nevertheless, children should be educated about the dangers associated with the intake of sweet foods. Here kindergartens have a grateful task.
Especially sweets during snacks should be avoided. The consumption of chocolate and sweets should not be spread out over a longer period of time, but should be taken shortly after each other, followed by brushing the teeth. A balanced diet not only serves the entire organism, but also helps to maintain healthy teeth.
It should contain the basic nutrients protein, fat and carbohydrates in the right proportion. Vitamins and minerals should also be present in sufficient amounts.As far as possible, raw food should be preferred to soft boiled food. The consumption of sugar should be kept within limits, which is especially beneficial for the teeth.
Nutrition is essential for the preservation of the organism. With regard to the teeth, however, certain rules should be observed. In addition to the supply of vitamins, especially vitamin D, minerals and the basic substances protein, fat and carbohydrates, special attention should be paid to the sugar content of food.
Sugar can be transformed by bacteria in the oral cavity into aggressive acids that attack the enamel. The consumption of sugary foods should therefore be restricted. Fluoride tablets for children before and after tooth replacement help to counteract the development of caries in childhood.
