March 20th every year is World Oral Health Day, and the theme for 2026 is "Healthy Oral Health and Happy Life". The number '320' is a clear goal conveyed by the World Dental Federation to the world: to have 20 baby teeth in childhood, 32 permanent teeth in adulthood, and 20 functional natural teeth by the age of 80. Seemingly minor oral problems such as toothache, tooth blackening, and gum bleeding are hidden behind the "hidden crisis" that affects a child's lifelong health. If not intervened in a timely manner, it can not only cause problems such as chewing disorders, unclear pronunciation, abnormal tooth arrangement, and missing teeth, but also affect facial development, nutrient absorption, and even damage children's confidence. Protecting oral health is about safeguarding a child's growth and future. Baby teeth are not "temporary workers". "Baby teeth need to be replaced sooner or later, don't worry if they break" is a common cognitive misconception among parents. In fact, baby teeth are not just transitional teeth, but also play a crucial role. Protecting baby teeth is investing in the health of permanent teeth. 1. Undertake chewing function. Baby teeth are responsible for the feeding tasks of children aged 6 months to 12 years old. Food impaction, pain, and even missing teeth caused by dental caries can lead to a decrease in chewing efficiency, making children more inclined to choose soft and rotten foods and refuse high fiber ingredients such as nuts and vegetables. This not only affects jaw and facial development, but also affects nutrient absorption. 2. Guide the eruption of permanent teeth. Deciduous teeth reserve space for the eruption of permanent teeth. If they are missing too early, it can cause adjacent teeth to tilt, resulting in abnormal eruption positions, uneven arrangement, and "overbearing" deformities of permanent teeth. Additional orthodontic treatment is required in the future. 3. Assist in language development. The front teeth are a crucial area for producing sounds such as s, z, and f. Missing baby teeth can easily lead to unclear pronunciation and affect language learning. 4. Protect mental health. The formation of "small black teeth" due to missing or decayed teeth can make children feel inferior, introverted, unwilling to smile and actively socialize, which affects the development of a good personality. Dental care reminder: Scientific dental care should begin from the moment a child's first baby tooth appears (about 6 months). Four major oral problems pose a great threat: 1. Dental caries. Caries is a infectious diseases caused by dental plaque. Sugar in food is broken down by cariogenic bacteria in the mouth, producing a large amount of acid. Frequent eating, incomplete brushing, and low saliva secretion can rapidly lower the local pH value, leading to enamel dissolution and demineralization, ultimately forming dental caries. The initial manifestation is black spots and white spots on the teeth, gradually developing into cavities; If it continues to worsen, it will develop into pulpitis and periapical periodontitis, causing pain, facial swelling, and in severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary. The "Chinese Dietary Guidelines for Residents (2022)" recommends that children aged 4 and above should consume no more than 50 grams of free sugar per day, preferably less than 25 grams, which is approximately equivalent to the sugar content of a cup of milk tea or a small bottle of cola. 2. Gingivitis. Accumulation of dental plaque at the edge of the gums can stimulate gum inflammation, which can be exacerbated by hormonal changes during puberty, incomplete brushing, and difficulty cleaning with braces. Symptoms include bleeding gums, redness and swelling of gums, and bad breath when brushing teeth or biting food; Long term non intervention can develop into periodontitis, leading to alveolar bone loss and tooth loosening, which is the primary cause of tooth loss in adulthood. 3. Dental trauma. Unexpected impacts such as playing ball and falling are the main causes, and children with protruding front teeth are at higher risk. Mild cases may have loose and sensitive teeth, while severe cases may have broken, displaced, or even completely lost teeth; Delaying treatment can lead to pulp necrosis and root resorption. Trauma to deciduous teeth may also affect the development of the underlying permanent tooth germ. It is important to seek medical attention promptly after dental trauma, as the earlier the treatment, the greater the benefits. If the permanent teeth completely fall off, self resetting and replanting or storing them in milk or saline solution within 30 minutes and seeking medical attention as soon as possible can improve the success rate of replantation. 4. Incorrect deformity. The influencing factors of malocclusion include genetics, bad habits such as finger sucking, lip biting, mouth breathing, tooth tilting caused by dental caries, premature loss of deciduous teeth, and supernumerary teeth. Misalignment not only increases the difficulty of teeth cleaning and increases the risk of dental caries, but also leads to bite disorders and affects the normal development of the jaw and face. Parents and children should pay attention to early prevention and correction to induce the formation of a normal occlusal relationship in the dental arch. Protecting children's oral health: 1. Scientific cleaning. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste every morning and evening for at least 2 minutes each time. For children, use the circular arc method, while for teenagers and adults, use the horizontal vibration brushing method; Use dental floss at least once a day to remove plaque from adjacent teeth; Rinse your mouth after meals and brush your teeth one hour later. Do not use mouthwash instead of brushing your teeth, mouthwash is only used to assist in cleaning. 2. Reasonable diet. Strictly limit the addition of sugar to candies, cakes, carbonated drinks, etc., and be wary of "hidden sugars" such as yogurt, fruit juice, sports drinks, etc; Replace drinks with plain water; Reduce eating between meals and minimize exposure of teeth to acidic environments; Eat more fiber rich foods such as whole grains and apples, clean the tooth surface through chewing and friction, promote saliva secretion, and reduce plaque accumulation. 3. Regular inspections. At least one oral examination should be conducted annually (if susceptible to oral diseases, the interval between oral examinations should be shortened) to promptly identify any issues; Regularly apply fluoride (once every six months) to enhance the acid resistance of dental enamel; Proper age children should undergo pit and fissure sealing to effectively prevent dental caries in permanent molars; If necessary, perform periodontal cleaning to remove tartar and plaque, alleviate and prevent gum inflammation, and evaluate bite development simultaneously. 4. Correct bad habits. Long term finger sucking and lip biting can lead to different bite changes such as maxillary protrusion, jaw opening, or inversion, affecting facial development. Oral breathing is often caused by adenoid hypertrophy or rhinitis, manifested as short and thick upper lip, collapsed nasal bridge, narrow dental arch, anterior protrusion of upper teeth, and posterior retraction of chin. Parents should help their children correct the above bad habits, actively treat primary diseases such as rhinitis, and wear orthodontic appliances if necessary to avoid permanent changes. (New Society)