“It’s Not Always the Sweets”: Paediatric Dentist Reveals the Hidden Risks to Children’s Teeth This World Oral Health Day
This year’s theme highlights the importance of caring for your mouth at every stage of life. Leading Paediatric Dentist Abigail Moore is warning that, for some children, the risk of dental disease begins even before birth.
While sugar consumption remains the leading cause of tooth decay, Dr. Moore is using this awareness day to highlight the often-overlooked biological and developmental factors that can leave thousands of children destined to struggle with dental issues — even when parents are doing everything right.
The Hidden Risk Factors
“We see parents every day who are brushing twice daily, avoiding sweets, and following all the advice - yet their child still has weakened & decaying teeth,” says Dr. Moore.
“It’s vital that we stop blaming parents and start educating everyone about the developmental factors that can weaken teeth long before eruption.”
Dr. Moore identifies four critical risk groups that need earlier dental intervention:
-
Premature & Low Birth Weight Babies:
Tooth enamel begins forming in the womb. When a baby is born prematurely, this process may be interrupted, leading to enamel hypomineralisation +/- hypoplasia — teeth that erupt with thin, weak, or missing enamel. -
Multiple Births (Twins/Triplets):
Multiples often share limited resources in utero and are more likely to arrive early, increasing their risk of dental defects. -
Complex Pregnancies:
Maternal illness, hyperemesis,gestational diabetes, cholestasis, high fevers, or severe stress during the weeks when a baby’s teeth are calcifying may result in weaker enamel development. -
Family History:
Genetics play a role in both enamel strength and the chemical composition of saliva - key factors in natural tooth protection.
Early Intervention is Key
“If your child falls into one of these categories they are at high risk for developing dental problems”, warns Dr. Moore.
“High-risk children should be seen as soon as the first tooth appears. We can’t change biology, but with fissure sealants, fluoride varnishes, and specific dietary strategies, we can protect even the most vulnerable teeth to minimise treatment need.”
Dr. Moore also believes that greater collaboration across healthcare disciplines is essential.
“It would make a tremendous difference if midwives, maternity hospital staff, and public health nurses were also sharing this message with new and expectant parents,” she adds. “These professionals are trusted voices at such a critical stage — they’re perfectly placed to help families take early steps in protecting their child’s oral health - education is power.”
About World Oral Health Day 2026
Celebrated annually on March 20th, World Oral Health Day empowers people with the knowledge and confidence to secure good oral health. The 2026 theme underscores that oral health is a lifelong commitment, beginning at birth and continuing through every stage of life.