Treatment of decayed teeth in children

Treating Tooth Erosion in Children, Oral health is the foundation of overall body health, especially in children. A child’s oral health can indicate other health problems or improper dietary habits that need correction. In this article, let’s explore tooth erosion in children, its causes, and how to prevent it.

Treating Tooth Erosion in Children

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Your child’s eroded teeth can be treated through one of the following options performed by the dentist:

• Dental Crowns: In severe and advanced cases, the dentist may place a crown or veneer on the damaged teeth to prevent further erosion and improve their appearance. The damaged teeth are covered with a material that matches the color of natural teeth, protecting them from erosion.
• Dental Bonding: The dentist applies a resin material that matches the color of the teeth onto the eroded teeth to conceal the erosion, achieve a more aesthetic appearance, and protect the remaining enamel from further erosion.

In the following sections, we will discuss tooth erosion in children, its causes, and treatment in more detail.

What is Tooth Erosion in Children?

Tooth erosion refers to the loss of the tooth’s basic structure due to the impact of certain chemical factors, such as acid erosion, aging, or prolonged exposure to mechanical factors that make the outer enamel layer susceptible to erosion.

It’s important to note that erosion differs from cavities or tooth fractures caused by breakage. Erosion occurs gradually as the enamel layer covering the tooth begins to erode, and if left unchecked, the erosion can reach deeper layers like the dentin and tooth pulp containing nerves.

Tooth erosion poses a significant risk to a child’s health as it causes the loss of the primary protective layer of the teeth. Treatment methods vary depending on the severity of the problem, the child’s age, the causes of erosion, and whether the affected teeth are primary or permanent.

What Causes Tooth Erosion in Children?

The primary cause of tooth erosion in children is the erosion of the tooth enamel, which can result from the following factors:

• Genetic factors can influence tooth erosion in children.
• If the mother experiences calcium deficiency during pregnancy, her child is more likely to develop tooth erosion.
• A child’s psychological state can impact tooth erosion, as some children may grind their teeth due to stress, embarrassment, or anxiety, leading to erosion over time.
• Certain medications, such as antihistamines used to treat allergies, can affect tooth health and contribute to erosion.
• Digestive issues or disorders in the child’s gastrointestinal system may result in tooth erosion.
• Excessive consumption of starches and insufficient protein intake can adversely affect a child’s tooth health.
• Excessive consumption of sugary foods and candies, combined with neglecting tooth brushing, is one of the main causes of tooth erosion in children.
• Drinking large amounts of carbonated beverages containing high levels of phosphoric and citric acids.
• Consuming sugary drinks with high sugar content, which contain acids that can erode tooth enamel.
• Dry mouth or low saliva production, as saliva plays a crucial role in protecting tooth enamel by coating it with calcium and other necessary minerals. Additionally, saliva helps dilute erosive factors and combat bacteria in the mouth.

What are the Symptoms of Tooth Erosion in Children?

It is well-known that primary teeth are more susceptible to erosion than permanent teeth, as the enamel and dentin layers in primary teeth are thinner, and the inner pulp area is larger. When the outer layers erode, inflammation begins in the tooth pulp, resulting in the following symptoms:

• Teeth appear dull and lack their natural shine.
• Changes in the tooth’s outer appearance, especially on the sides and edges.
• In cases of severe enamel erosion, the dentin layer becomes exposed, giving the teeth a yellowish appearance.
• Teeth appear thin, with transparent edges.
• As erosion progresses, teeth become more sensitive, and the child may experience pain when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
• The tooth edges may become cracked and appear irregular, either jagged or sharp.
• If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s crucial not to ignore them and consult a dentist immediately to address the issue before it worsens and prevent further damage.

What Happens If You Don’t Treat Cavities in Children’s Teeth?

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It’s essential to treat cavities early on, as neglecting them will only worsen the condition and impact the inner layers of the teeth, causing severe pain for the child and potentially leading to tooth loss. Regular check-ups with a dentist are crucial to examine your child’s teeth, identify any issues, and find the best solution as soon as possible. If you want to learn more about cavities in children’s teeth, read this article.

Can a 3-Year-Old Child Develop Cavities?

Yes, it’s possible for a child as young as 3 years old to develop early childhood cavities. They may experience symptoms of cavities twice or more in their primary teeth. These cavities are similar to those that affect adults, and it’s crucial to treat them and preserve the primary teeth until the permanent teeth erupt. The problem arises from bacteria buildup in the mouth, which erodes the enamel, combined with the child’s diet, which can contribute to bacterial growth. Regular visits to the dentist are essential for monitoring and addressing this issue.

If you’d like to learn more about the tooth pain that 3-year-old children may experience due to cavities, read the following article.

How is Tooth Erosion Diagnosed in Children?

As mentioned earlier, there are signs that a mother should watch for that may indicate her child is suffering from tooth erosion. Regular check-ups with a dentist are crucial, as the dentist will thoroughly examine the child and discuss their dietary habits with the mother to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

During the examination, the dentist can identify the type of erosion affecting the child based on the following signs:

• Acid erosion appears as yellow spots on the back surfaces of the upper teeth due to the erosion of the enamel.
• Erosion may begin on the outer surfaces of the back teeth near the gums due to friction.

Should Cavities in a Child’s Teeth Be Treated?

Yes, it’s essential to treat cavities in your child’s teeth to preserve them for as long as possible. The dentist may request X-rays of your child’s teeth to examine the cavities. If they are minor, they can be treated with fluoride. However, if the cavities are more extensive, the dentist may need to fill them, place a crown or root canal, or, in severe cases, extract the tooth if the decay is too advanced.

How to Prevent Tooth Erosion in Children

Following the adage “prevention is better than cure,” there are several tips to protect your child from developing cavities and tooth erosion:

• Mothers should be attentive to any changes in their child’s behavior, such as irritability or tooth grinding, as these may indicate an underlying issue that requires a dentist’s evaluation.
• Discourage bad habits like opening bags or packages with their teeth or putting hard objects in their mouth.
• Ensure your child follows a balanced, healthy diet and avoids excessive sugary and acidic foods that require using their front teeth for peeling or chewing.
• Avoid breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your child right before bedtime or during sleep, as saliva production decreases during these times. If feeding is necessary, give your child a cup of water immediately afterward.
• Encourage your child to drink water after consuming acidic fruits and beverages.
• Acidic juices should be consumed with meals, not by themselves.

What are the Risk Factors for Tooth Erosion in Children?

Several factors can contribute to the development and progression of tooth erosion in children, including:

• Acid erosion
• Tooth erosion due to friction
• Natural erosion that occurs with age
• Other factors, such as low saliva production, loss of appetite, or bulimia, as well as nighttime breastfeeding in infants aged 6 months to 2 years, which can lead to milk accumulation in the mouth and erosion.

What are the Complications of Tooth Erosion in Children?

If left untreated, tooth erosion can lead to the following complications:

• Increased erosion makes teeth more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages.
• Early erosion of permanent teeth can cause lifelong dental issues.
• Eroded teeth are more prone to breakage, cracking, cavities, and become more brittle.
• Dental issues can negatively impact a child’s appearance and self-confidence.

Can Eroded Teeth in Children Be Treated with Medication?

Yes, eroded teeth in children can be treated with medication. The treatment approach involves two aspects: addressing the underlying causes of erosion and slowing down the erosion process to preserve the remaining teeth.

The dentist may prescribe antacids or acid reflux medications to treat acid erosion caused by acidity.

Are There Other Treatment Options for Eroded Teeth in Children?

Each case of tooth erosion in children may differ in its cause and treatment approach, which can include:

• Using fluoride-rich mouthwashes and toothpaste containing minerals like phosphate and calcium to help resist acid erosion.
• In some cases, the dentist may apply a high concentration of fluoride gel or varnish to the weakened and sensitive teeth every 3 or 6 months.
• Xylitol can be used to clean the mouth of harmful bacteria and stimulate saliva production.
• In cases of severe enamel erosion, dentin exposure, and severe decay, the dentist may opt for fillings, dental appliances, crowns, or tooth extraction to preserve the affected teeth.

“When it comes to tooth erosion in young children, time is a critical factor. At our Dental Care Medical Center, we take tooth erosion in toddlers seriously and provide innovative, personalized treatment to rebuild and strengthen eroded teeth. Trust our expertise and leave your little ones in our hands.”