Tooth decay in children aged one and a half years

Tooth Decay in Children at 1.5 Years Old, Tooth decay in children is one of the most common diseases, but tooth decay in the early stages during infancy can be a problem due to the extreme sensitivity of infants during this period. In this article, we will learn about the specific causes of this stage that can lead to tooth decay.

Tooth Decay in Children at 1.5 Years Old

Tooth Decay in Children at 1.5 Years Old

Tooth decay begins at the age of 1.5 years in the upper front teeth, and the main reason for its occurrence at this stage is the use of a feeding bottle during sleep or for long periods to distract the child, which leads to covering their teeth with fluids other than water that are rich in sugars for long periods, which can cause tooth decay. In this article, we will learn in detail about the common causes of tooth decay at this stage, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.

“Learn how to deal with tooth decay in children and soothe the pain thanks to our detailed articles. At the Medical Center for Dental Care, we work to provide reliable information to help you achieve the best oral health for your child.”

What Causes Tooth Decay in Children at 1.5 Years Old

Tooth decay in children has many causes, most of which are related to the difficulty children have in adhering to personal hygiene instructions and a healthy diet suitable for their age, which many mothers struggle with. There are also some wrong behaviors that some mothers do not pay attention to and do not think can harm their children’s teeth. We will mention these causes below:

• Sharing the child’s utensils with the mother while caring for them or not having personal utensils specifically for the child, such as the child drinking from the mother’s cup, which can help transfer bacteria to the child and cause tooth decay.
• Using a feeding bottle for long periods or while the child is sleeping will cause the sugary liquids to settle on the child’s teeth and promote the growth of bacteria, producing acids that erode the enamel of their teeth. Due to the weakness of the teeth at this age and the thinness of the enamel layer surrounding them, tooth decay can occur easily.
• Not drinking enough water is one of the causes of children’s tooth decay. After the child turns one year old, they should start drinking enough water to maintain their body’s moisture, especially on hot and humid days. Therefore, mothers should ensure their child drinks a cup of water every two hours from their feeding bottle, as it also contains fluoride, which helps maintain a strong enamel layer on the child’s teeth and prevents tooth decay or any damage to them.
• Genetic disorders that appear in some families, where it is possible that a genetic defect makes the child’s teeth more susceptible to decay.
• Not taking care to clean the child’s teeth daily before bedtime, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and the formation of tartar.
• Consuming too many sugary foods and sweets gives bacteria a chance to accumulate on the teeth, and due to the weakness of the teeth at this stage and the thin enamel layer covering them, tooth decay can occur.
• Weak immunity is one of the main reasons for the child’s inability to resist bacteria or tooth decay.

The Stages of Tooth Decay in Children

Tooth decay occurs in stages, and each stage has an effective treatment method. Let’s learn about these five stages of tooth decay:

1- Weakening of the enamel layer due to the loss of its minerals.

2- The enamel layer is affected by decay.

3- The decay reaches the dentin, which is one of the four components of teeth.

4- The infection reaches some essential components of the teeth, such as the inner pulp.

5- The formation of an abscess is the final and advanced stage of decay, and in this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately.

You can learn more details about tooth decay by visiting this link.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay in Children at 1.5 Years Old

The symptoms of tooth decay in children at 1.5 years old are easy to recognize and address to avoid any complications later. These symptoms include:

• Feeling pain when consuming sugary foods or drinking hot or cold beverages.
• White or yellowish stains on the teeth.
• Constant feeling of pain.
• Bad breath.
• Appearance of cavities in the teeth.

What is Tooth Decay in Infant Children?

Tooth decay in infant children is the loss of strength and hardness of the teeth due to the presence of bacteria that feed on any debris stuck between the teeth, resulting in the production of acids that erode the enamel layer covering the teeth and the formation of holes and protrusions.

Is Tooth Decay a Danger to Children?

Is Tooth Decay a Danger to Children?

Yes; there are serious problems and complications resulting from tooth decay in children, so it is important not to neglect starting treatment as soon as symptoms are noticed.

Children under the age of 6 have milk teeth, which are thin due to the weak enamel layer covering them. Therefore, it is important to take care of their teeth and clean them regularly, as bacterial infection or tooth decay can adversely affect the permanent teeth that will grow in their place, which can pose a health risk for the child as they grow older.

Children between the ages of 6 and 12 start developing their permanent teeth during this period, so it is important to brush them daily with children’s toothpaste before bedtime and consume a diet rich in calcium and vitamins to prevent them from weakening and falling out, which can lead to other health complications that may affect the child’s activity. To learn more about tooth decay in children, read the following article.

Home Remedies for Treating Tooth Decay in Children

Treating tooth decay in infant children depends on consulting a doctor, who will determine the stage of decay and the optimal way to deal with it. However, there are some home remedies that may help mothers treat and soothe tooth decay in their children, including:

Warm Water and Salt Solution: Dissolving a small amount of salt in a cup of warm water, where the salt kills bacteria, and the warm water reduces pain and swelling.

Garlic: Garlic is a potent antibacterial, so one or two cloves are crushed and mixed with the toothpaste prescribed by the doctor. Then, a small amount of the mixture is applied to the gums and gently massaged. It is also possible to use a little salt for relief in some cases of infection.

Mint: A potent pain reliever for tooth decay, in addition to its ability to fight bacteria, as it is a powerful disinfectant.

Calcium and Magnesium Mixture: Crush calcium and magnesium tablets and apply them to the child’s toothbrush, massaging gently. This helps obtain strong, decay-free teeth by providing the essential elements for their strength.

Thyme: An antioxidant and potent antibacterial agent. It is recommended to boil thyme leaves and use them on the teeth after cooling, or add a little thyme oil to a cup of water and use a gauze pad to massage the gums.

Aloe Vera Gel: For two minutes, massage the teeth with the gel to get the desired result due to its effectiveness in fighting bacteria.

Cloves: An antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, as well as a potent anesthetic due to its content of eugenol. Therefore, we place a piece of gauze in clove powder and massage the teeth with it.

Lemon: Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, and citric acid, which kills germs. It is recommended to chew lemon pieces or drink a cup of lemon juice, then rinse the mouth with water afterwards.

Green Tea: One of the main benefits of green tea is that it reduces the growth of tartar, so it is recommended to sweeten a cup of green tea with honey and give it to the child every few days.

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Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children

A healthy body starts with strong, bright white teeth. Here are several ways to help protect your child’s teeth from decay:

• Drinking Enough Water: Water contains fluoride, which is necessary for maintaining strong, decay-free teeth.
• Using Fluoride Toothpaste: Toothpaste containing fluoride helps rebuild tooth enamel and fight decay.
• Replacing Sugary Foods with Vegetables and Fruits: Sugars promote the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay, and stopping their consumption will help control and eliminate the problem.
• Not Sharing the Child’s Personal Utensils with Others: The child’s eating and drinking utensils should not be shared with anyone to prevent the transfer of decay-causing bacteria.