Cavities, commonly known as caries or tooth decay, are frequent in children. Children often experience tooth decay. If treatment is not provided, your kid may have pain and infection. This can result in difficulties with learning, eating, and communication.
Cavities are a problem that can be avoided in the future by educating yourself and your child on what leads to cavities in children and how they may be treated if they do occur. Cavities in your child’s teeth can be avoided with proper dental hygiene. Even before they get their first tooth, you may start your child with good dental habits with your assistance. In this article, we will give you some tips on how you can prevent early tooth decay in your child’s dental health.
What Causes Tooth Decay in a Child?
The presence of bacteria in the mouth, together with other factors, can lead to tooth decay. It can occur when carbohydrates (sugars and starches) from foods are allowed to remain on the teeth for an extended period of time. Milk, soda, raisins, candies, cake, fruit juices, cereals, and bread all fall under this category. These meals undergo a transformation that produces acids by the bacteria ordinarily found in the mouth. Plaque is a material that adheres to the teeth and is formed when bacteria, food particles, acidic saliva, and saliva all come together. Cavities are caused when the acids produced by the bacteria in the mouth eat away at the enamel of the teeth over time.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay
The progression of tooth decay varies from one child to the next. The following is an example of a common cause of tooth decay and cavities: White spots appear on the teeth in the affected areas of the mouth. These patches are an indication that the enamel is beginning to deteriorate. These could cause an increase in tooth sensitivity at an earlier age.
- On examination of the tooth, an early cavity can be noticed. It is a shade that is similar to pale brown.
- The cavity gets deeper as it goes. It goes from a darker brown to black as it progresses.
- Discomfort in the region surrounding the tooth.
- Sensitivity to particular foods, including a dislike for sweets and either hot or cold beverages.
Cavities may or may not induce symptoms depending on the patient. Children might exhibit a wide range of symptoms when they have dental decay and cavities. There are cases in which children are unaware they have one until it is discovered by their dentist.
How to Prevent it?
Your child may be unaware that a cavity is developing in their tooth. Even if they don’t think they need it, people should get their teeth checked and cleaned regularly at the dentist, even if their mouth feels normal. But, if they develop a toothache or pain in the mouth, they should make an appointment with their dentist as soon as possible. You can consult a pediatric dentist like a pediatric dentist in Herndon, VA. They can give you the highest quality of service possible for your child. Aside from that, they can help you to diagnose other symptoms and problems while keeping your child at ease. In addition, here are some additional steps you can take to prevent early tooth decay.
- As soon as your child gets their first tooth, it would help if you began to brush it with toothpaste. Using fluoride toothpaste and brushing the teeth, tongue, and gums twice a day is recommended. You might also observe your kid when they brush their teeth.
- Use only a tiny amount of toothpaste on youngsters younger than three years old—about the amount that would fit on a single grain of rice. Your child should start using a quantity of toothpaste equivalent to a pea when they are 3 years old.
- After age 2, you should floss your child’s teeth daily.
- Make it a priority to provide your child with healthy and well-rounded food. Reduce their intake of snacks like chips, candies, cookies, and cake that are sticky and rich in sugar.
- Not sharing eating utensils with your child can reduce the risk of bacteria being passed from your mouth to theirs. Do not use your saliva to clean the pacifier that your infant uses.
- If your child drinks from a bottle before bed, ensure the bottle only contains water. ]
- If you reside in an area without fluoridated water, discuss the possibility of giving your child a fluoride supplement with their primary care physician or dentist. Ask your dentist about fluoride varnish and dental sealants as well. Both are positioned on the teeth in this way.
- Cleanings and checkups at the dentist should be performed on your youngster once every six months.
The number of cavities your child may develop due to these treatments may decrease. Even if your child is genetically inclined to have issues with oral health, it is still important to teach them the dangers of not cleaning their teeth.
Conclusion
Dental care is very important for your child’s development, and dental problems can occur at a very young age. Consider having a dentist appointment for your child, don’t worry; pediatric dentists are trained to care for children. They won’t harm them and will ensure your child is calm during the checkups. This is the best prevention method you can ever give to your child.
