What are the “1,000 golden days” that can make the difference between good and bad oral health

The oral health It is one of the fundamental pillars for a healthy life. And this care begins from the early development of teeth, even before they are visible.

A crucial period for oral and general development is what is known as the thousand days of gold. Covers from conception to the second year of life that is, the 270 days of gestation plus the first 730 postnatal days.

During these thousand days, not only is the foundation laid for general physical growth and development, but it is also a key moment for dental development. In this stage the tooth structure as well as eating and hygiene habits that will directly impact future oral health.

Factors like the maternal nutrition, stress, exposure to toxins or infections They can predispose the individual to suffer from non-communicable diseases, such as dental caries, obesity, diabetes and hypertension, which can manifest in childhood or even in adulthood.

In this stage, there is a programming effect of some nutrients and metabolic conditions associated with growth, body composition, brain and behavior development, as well as the establishment and functionality of intestinal microorganisms and the maturation of the defense system. .

The fetal programming theory of adult diseases by British physician and epidemiologist David JP Barker maintains that the prenatal period is decisive for the future health of the individual, including dental development.

Conditions such as nutrient deficiency During pregnancy they can affect the formation and mineralization of the baby’s teeth. This makes them more vulnerable to cavities and can cause future dental problems.

A recent article expands on this theory and highlights conditions that affect fetal programming and its consequences on adult dental health.

During pregnancy, factors such as poor nutrition and intrauterine nutrient restriction not only affect the baby’s overall growth but also its dental health. This can lead to a predisposition to developing tooth decay and other oral diseases from a young age.

The adequate availability of nutrients during pregnancy is decisive for the formation of healthy teeth. A poor diet during pregnancy can limit the proper development of tooth enamel, which predisposes the teeth to suffer cavities once they erupt.

Support for mothers is mandatory from the pre-pregnancy period. It is recommended that the requirements for necessary micronutrients and trace elements, such as folic acid and vitamins A, B and D, increase by 50%.

It is well known that folic acid deficiencies affect both maternal health and fetal neuronal development. Boosting the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy reduces the risk of premature birth and improves cognitive development.

One of the environmental factors that modulates and programs the expression of the baby’s genome is the availability of nutrients. The restriction of intrauterine nutrients, due to poor or deficient nutrition in the fetus, modifies its metabolic pathway and its biological structures.

In these cases, the body saves limited nutritional resources for actions of greater importance or survival, such as the development of the brain and heart, and the regulation of hormones such as insulin.

After birth, the permanent changes undergone in fetal life make it more vulnerable to the development of diseases. Disorders established between the pre- and postnatal environments are an important determinant of later diseases.

After birth, the breast milk It is the essential food for the baby. Not only because of the nutrients it provides for general development, but also because it promotes oral health. Breastfeeding helps establish proper tooth growth patterns and contributes to the correct formation of the jaws and facial structure.

Human milk is a dynamic biological fluid that varies in composition over time and is highly specialized to meet the needs of the baby. In addition to nourishing you, it has properties that protect against oral infections and promote a healthy oral microbiome, reducing the risk of cavities.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to six months. Once complementary feeding has started, it is suggested to combine it with early oral cleaning habits.

Experts advise that, after each breastfeeding session, you gently clean the baby’s gums with a damp gauze pad. This will prevent the accumulation of milk residue, a key habit to prevent future dental problems.

Prevention of cavities since a thousand days

According to the study Reported Prevalence of Dental Caries in Mexican Children and Adolescents, caries continues to be a significant health problem in Mexico, especially affecting overweight children.

A global investigation based on 72 studies and published in 2022 revealed that the prevalence of cavities in one-year-old children was 17%. A percentage that increases as they grow, reaching 63% in 5-year-old children.

These data reinforce the importance of establishing good eating and dental hygiene habits from the beginning to prevent the appearance of cavities and other dental diseases.

Importance of early oral hygiene

From the appearance of the first tooth, around six months of age, it is recommended to start dental care with a soft-bristled brush or a dental thimble to remove traces of milk or food that may contribute to the development of cavities.

The Guide to Dental Care for Babies 0 to 24 Months states that the use of fluoride toothpaste, the size of a grain of rice, is essential to protect teeth and reduce the risk of cavities.

As the baby grows, it is crucial to teach good brushing habits, which should be done at least twice a day. Preventing dental caries in the first thousand days of life involves not only adequate oral hygiene, but also a healthy diet that limits sugar intake and promotes the development of strong, healthy teeth.

The thousand golden days represent an invaluable opportunity to establish good dental health.

During this stage, parents and health professionals should work together to encourage healthy eating habits, maintain adequate oral hygiene, and ensure nutrition that promotes the development of healthy teeth and contributes to better dental health throughout life.

*María Fernanda Yáñez Acosta is a specialist in Pediatric Dentistry / Doctorate in Educational Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Mexico. Horacio Nario Venegas is a dental surgeon. Specialist in Prosthodontics, University of Guadalajara, Mexico