Dental caries, referred to as tooth decay in children, is a common chronic condition in kids. It can cause symptoms like pain, infection, and difficulty eating or talking. Knowing the causes, treatment, and prevention of dental decay is crucial for parents and caregivers to protect the oral health of their babies. This blog guides aspects that will help you maintain a healthy smile for your child.
Causes of Tooth Decay in Children
Tooth decay in children occurs when the bacteria present in the mouth disintegrate sugars and starches from the diet and form acid. These acids attack the hard outer layer of the tooth called enamel. Enamel breaks down over time and causes cavities in children.
Various factors lead to tooth decay in children:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing adequately leaves food particles and plaque deposits on the tooth surface. This increases the chances of tooth decay.
- Diet: Frequent snacking of sugar and starch-containing food and liquids can accelerate acid production and caries formation.
- Lack of Fluoride: Fluoride is an element that strengthens the tooth enamel, making the tooth caries resistant. Children who lack fluoride consumption through water, toothpaste, or topical fluoride treatments are prone to acquiring dental cavities.
- Dry Mouth: Saliva washes away the deposited food particles and neutralizes the acids. Certain medications and habits like mouth breathing reduce salivary flow and increase the risk of decay.
- Bacteria Transmission: Parents and caretakers unknowingly transfer caries-causing bacteria to children by sharing utensils or spoons or cleaning a pacifier with their mouth.
Signs & Symptoms of Tooth Decay in Children
Early diagnosis of tooth decay is necessary for effective treatment. Common signs and symptoms of tooth caries in children are:
- White spots lesions on the teeth due to early enamel breakdown
- Black or Brown spots on the teeth
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet food
- Pain or discomfort in teeth or gums while eating
- Visible early cavities or holes in the teeth
- Swelling or redness in the gums
- Pus draining through the sinus tract in surrounding gums
If you find any of the signs above, it’s important to visit a child dentist immediately to prevent the decay from advancing.
Treatment of Tooth Decay in Children
The treatment for tooth decay in children varies according to the severity of the caries. The following are common treatment choices:
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Fluoride Treatments
For early-age tooth caries, fluoride treatments remineralize the enamel and can reverse the decay process. These treatments are done at the dental clinic in the form of fluoride gels, foams, or varnishes.
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Dental Fillings
When a cavity forms, the decaying segment of the tooth is removed with a drill and replaced with a tooth-colored filling. Filling materials include composite resin or glass ionomer. The choice of material depends on the cavity location and age of the child.
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Crowns
When a large portion of the tooth is damaged, a dental crown must be placed to reinforce it. A crown is a customized cap that covers the damaged tooth, strengthens the core, and restores its natural shape, size, and function.
- Pulp Therapy
If the decay reaches the inner blood and nerve vessels of the tooth, root canal treatments may be required. This treatment entails the removal of the infected pulp from the canals, filling the canals with medicated material followed by sealing the tooth to prevent re-infection.
- Tooth Extraction
In grossly decayed teeth repair is impossible, and hence extraction may be necessary. The dentist will discuss space maintenance to ensure proper eruption of the remaining teeth.
Prevention of Tooth Decay in Children
Prevention of tooth decay in children necessitates oral hygiene, healthy diet, and regular dental checkups. Here are some strategies to prevent early cavities:
- Oral Hygiene
Brushing: Ensure that your child is brushing their teeth two times a day with fluoridated toothpaste. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush along with a pea-sized toothpaste if the child is 3 years and older. For children under 3 years of age, use a rice-sized drop of toothpaste for brushing.
Flossing: Guide your child to floss their teeth daily. Educate them regarding the removal of food particles accumulated between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach.
- Diet
Limit Sugar and Starch Food consumption. Reduce the intake of sugar-containing snacks, candies, sodas, and juices. Encourage your child to adopt a balanced diet comprising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products.
- Healthy Snacks
Encourage healthy snacking options like cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables.
- Water
Increase their water consumption, especially fluoridated water, as fluoride strengthens teeth and makes them caries resistant.
- Fluoride
Make sure fluoride toothpaste is used as a part of their daily oral hygiene. If the local water supplied is non-fluoridated, ask your dentist to prescribe fluoride supplements or treatments.
- Regular Dental Visits
Schedule regular dental visits for your child right from their first birthday or their first tooth eruption. Regular visits help with constant monitoring of the child’s oral health and detect any potential problems in advance. Professional scalings and fluoride treatments during routine dental visits help in preventing tooth decay.
- Sealants
Dental sealants are thin, protective resin coatings that protect the chewing surface of the back teeth. They prevent food accumulation and caries. Sealants fill deep crevices where food and bacteria are trapped. Sealants add a layer of protection against decay.
Conclusion
Tooth decay in children is common but can be prevented. By understanding the causes and the signs and following measures to prevent and treat cavities in kids, parents and caretakers can ensure their child’s oral health stays in good condition. Good oral hygiene practices, a healthy diet, regular dental clinic visits, and preventive fluoride treatment and sealant application are necessary to prevent tooth decay in children. With these steps, you can maintain your child’s dental well-being and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Tooth decay is common, but it is preventable. You can protect your child’s smile! Schedule a check-up at Dental On First Dental Clinic today and gift your child a healthy, cavity-free smile.
Schedule your appointment today for the best children’s dental care, or call 952-758-3003 instantly.
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