Why Are Cavities Appearing So Early?
Dental caries, or cavities, are now one of the most common chronic diseases in children. But why?

Frequent snacking and sugary drinks: Even healthy-looking juices can be packed with sugars that cling to young teeth.
Prolonged bottle feeding or breastfeeding at night: Milk pooling in the mouth without cleaning can harm baby teeth.
Poor oral hygiene routines: Many children don’t brush effectively or regularly—and infants rely entirely on parents to do it for them.
These are not new problems, but they're intensifying with our modern lifestyle and processed diets.

Is It the Parents’ Fault? Or a Deeper Social Issue?
It’s easy to place blame on parents, but that oversimplifies a complex issue. In reality:

Lack of awareness: Many parents don’t know that baby teeth need just as much care as adult teeth.
Busy schedules: Routines become rushed, and brushing may be skipped or rushed.
Healthcare access and education gaps: Not every family has equal access to pediatric dental guidance.
While parenting plays a key role, the real challenge is a lack of early education, routine, and awareness—especially during infancy.

What Parents Can Do: Practical Tips
To help protect your child’s smile from the start, here are some actionable tips:

Start early: Clean your baby’s gums with a soft cloth even before the first tooth appears. Begin brushing as soon as teeth erupt.
Use water after feeding: After nighttime feeding, offer a small sip of water to rinse sugars from the mouth.
Avoid open-mouth sleeping: It dries out the mouth, reducing natural cleansing saliva. If it’s habitual, consult a pediatrician.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks: Even "healthy" packaged foods often contain hidden sugars.
Make dental visits routine: Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth.
Be a role model: Brush and floss together. Kids mimic what they see.
Why Early Dental Visits Matter
Children can’t always communicate dental discomfort, which means cavities often go unnoticed until they worsen. Regular check-ups help prevent major issues, build positive dental habits, and reduce fear of the dentist.

Building Smiles That Last a Lifetime
At Prakash Dental, we believe that dental excellence starts at home—and it starts early. With the right care, habits, and guidance, your child’s smile can stay healthy and bright for years to come.

Let’s shift the conversation from blame to better awareness. Parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but with the right support, we can all do better for our children’s oral health.