Causes of tooth decay in children

Causes of Tooth Decay in Children, One of the most common problems we face constantly is tooth decay, especially in children. This is due to their primary teeth being weaker than adult teeth. Parents strive to find the causes of tooth decay in their children so that their children can have healthy and strong teeth. Continuous oral and dental care, as well as medical consultations, are crucial for maintaining the health of our children’s teeth.

Causes of Tooth Decay in Children

Causes of Tooth Decay in Children

When your child is born and their teeth start to grow in their first few months, their teeth will be beautiful and attractive. However, their appearance may change, affecting your child’s look. To solve the problem of tooth decay, it is essential to understand its causes in order to avoid them, which include:

• Weak tooth enamel, resulting in easy erosion of the tooth layer and exposure to decay.
• Not brushing teeth regularly before bedtime and after meals, allowing food residues to accumulate and turn into a sticky substance called “plaque.” This substance is responsible for the widespread growth of bacteria around the teeth, which is one of the main causes of tooth decay.
• Consuming excessive amounts of candy, cakes, and beverages high in sugar.
• Genetic factors that lead to weak teeth.
• Neglect by the mother in caring for the child’s oral hygiene and not brushing their teeth.
• Lack of essential nutrients that benefit dental health, and loss of appetite in children can cause tooth enamel erosion, leading to decay.
• Failing to schedule regular dental check-ups for the child, which should be done every six months at least.
• Using an adult toothbrush to clean a child’s teeth, as it may be unsuitable for their gums and can lead to weakening of the enamel layer.
• Neglecting the use of dental floss, which can reach areas that a toothbrush cannot.

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Which Children are More Prone to Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is a problem faced by all children, but some are more susceptible than others due to various reasons, including:

• Genetic issues that affect the weakness of the child’s primary teeth.
• Children exposed to consuming large amounts of carbohydrates and sugary substances, which leave residues between the teeth and turn into plaque, increasing the growth of bacteria, eroding the enamel, and causing tooth decay.
• Malnutrition increases the risk of tooth decay in children due to the breakdown of minerals in their teeth and the lack of replenishment through their diet, weakening the enamel and leading to decay.
• If a child’s teeth are eroded and they are not taken to the dentist to fill the gaps and eroded layers with fillings, the erosion will continue until the teeth decay.
• When a mother uses toothpaste for her child that does not contain fluoride, which helps combat tooth decay.
• Children with diabetes, which weakens their teeth, making them more prone to tooth decay than others.
• When a child undergoes radiation therapy for cancer, it can cause tooth decay and tooth loss.

When Does Tooth Decay Start in Children?

Many parents believe that tooth decay does not affect children or infants because their primary teeth are temporary and will be replaced as they grow older. Some also believe that an infant’s teeth are not affected by breast milk or formula milk through breastfeeding. However, these beliefs are entirely incorrect.

But is there a specific time when tooth decay begins in children? The answer is yes; tooth decay starts when the bacteria in the mouth accumulate around the teeth, forming a sticky substance called “plaque.” This substance erodes the enamel layer, creating cavities. This process occurs over several months, not a short period.

One of the factors contributing to the onset of tooth decay in children is the mother’s neglect in keeping the child’s mouth clean before the first primary tooth erupts, leaving milk residues in the mouth. This increases the growth of oral bacteria, leading to tooth decay once the primary teeth erupt.

It is also known that tooth decay is a contagious disease. It is possible for a child’s tooth decay to begin through transmission from the mother or another person who kisses the child. To learn more about tooth decay in children, read the following article.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay in Children

Children often experience tooth sensitivity, tooth pain, or a persistent bad breath in their mouths. These symptoms indicate the presence of tooth decay, and it is essential to have the child examined by a dentist.

Some symptoms that a mother can observe while caring for her child’s teeth include white spots on the teeth or visible cavities between the teeth and gums, which require a dentist’s visit to fill them. Other symptoms include black spots on the tooth surface, persistent crying by the child, swollen gums, inability to tolerate hot or cold foods or beverages, or lethargy. To overcome the problem of tooth decay in your child, please visit our Medical Dental Care Center through the following link.

Prevention of Tooth Decay in Children

Tooth decay is a problem that affects all children due to the weakness and thinness of their primary teeth, as well as their short roots, which cause rapid spread of decay. Mothers should follow these steps to prevent tooth decay in their children:

• Encourage the child to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after meals, to reduce the presence of bacteria and plaque around the teeth.
• Brush the child’s teeth in the morning and evening using an age-appropriate toothbrush, and avoid sharing it with another child.
• Use a suitable children’s toothpaste containing fluoride at a concentration of 1000 to 1500 parts per million, such as Fluoro, Signal Kids, or Sensodyne.
• Choose a flavored toothpaste that the child likes to avoid their reluctance to brush their teeth twice a day.
• Clean the child’s teeth using dental floss to prevent plaque buildup between the teeth.
• Visit the dentist regularly to prevent tooth decay in the child.
• Avoid kissing children on the mouth to prevent the transmission of tooth decay.
• Clean pacifiers and bottles regularly to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and its transfer to the child’s mouth.
• Assign specific utensils for the child, such as cups or spoons.
• Limit sweets to reduce the amount of sugars that cause tooth decay.
• Wipe the infant’s gums with a soft cloth to remove milk residues.
• If the infant only sleeps with a bottle, fill it with boiled water instead of milk, as water does not contain sugar that can cause tooth decay.

To learn more about tooth decay and how to prevent it, read our next article.

Treatment of Tooth Decay in Children

The treatment of tooth decay in children is determined by the condition of each child’s teeth:

1. Some children may need fluoride treatment to restore the eroded enamel layer and prevent further decay. This is the least severe case of tooth decay.
2. In some cases, the dentist may prescribe pain relievers for the child instead of proceeding with fillings, as the child’s primary teeth are temporary and will eventually fall out.
3. The third scenario involves tooth restoration or what is known as dental fillings. However, the material used for fillings in children differs from that used in adults and is called “glass ionomer cement.” This material contains a high concentration of fluoride, which protects the teeth from decay until they are replaced by permanent teeth.
4. The final stage, which the dentist may resort to, is tooth extraction. This step is often taken when the child is at the stage of shedding their primary teeth.

“Taking care of children’s dental health is no less important than their overall health. At the Medical Dental Implant Center, we offer root canal treatments with the highest levels of care and safety. You can learn more about the treatment of tooth decay through the following article.”

What is the Importance of Fluoride in the Prevention and Treatment of Tooth Decay in Children?

What is the Importance of Fluoride in the Prevention and Treatment of Tooth Decay in Children?

Fluoride is of great importance in the treatment of tooth decay, especially in children, as they are more prone to decay due to the high consumption of sugary foods and candies. Fluoride helps rebuild the eroded enamel layer of the teeth, protecting them until they are replaced by permanent teeth.

Fluoride is one of the most important ingredients in toothpaste formulations, with a concentration of at least 1000 parts per million to reduce oral bacteria and eliminate plaque, preventing tooth decay in children. It also works to strengthen the teeth.

Fluoride reduces tooth sensitivity experienced by children when consuming ice cream and cold beverages. It increases the calcium content needed by the teeth to protect them from decay. There are different types of fluoride, such as gels and varnishes, known as topical fluoride. Dentists prefer varnishes as they are safer for children.

There is a new type of fluoride that not only prevents but also treats tooth decay, called “Silver Diamine Fluoride.” It eliminates the bacteria that feed on the tooth enamel. However, one of its drawbacks is that it discolors the decayed area to a brown or black color.