From the time a child has their first teeth, the constant challenge of maintaining healthy teeth begins, as tooth decay in children is considered one of the most prominent challenges facing children’s oral health, as it is not just a limited health problem, but can significantly affect their quality of life and general safety and in early childhood, children’s teeth are vulnerable to many factors that increase the risk of tooth decay, which makes understanding and working to prevent this phenomenon crucial for parents and caregivers of children, so let us delve into this important topic and explore the causes of tooth decay in children and the importance of preventing it.
What is tooth decay in children?
Tooth decay in children is a condition characterized by the erosion of the hard tissues of the teeth due to the accumulation of bacteria on their surfaces and their interaction with sugars found in food and drinks, as these bacteria and sugars combine to form acid, which attacks the tooth enamel layer, leading to the formation of holes in the teeth and their destruction over time, as tooth decay in children can cause severe pain, tooth damage, loss of affected teeth, and even problems with speech and feeding and if tooth decay is not treated properly, it can affect your overall oral and body health.
Causes of tooth decay in children
There are many reasons that lead to tooth decay, and these reasons are:
Increasing the production of acids that cause tooth erosion and the appearance of caries. Unhealthy nutrition: Consuming foods and drinks rich in sugars and starches leads to an increase in the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth.
Neglecting oral hygiene: Not brushing the teeth regularly and properly, whether with a brush or medical floss, leads to the accumulation of plaque (tartar and bacteria) on the teeth, which increases the chances of developing cavities.
Genetic causes: Some children are more susceptible to tooth decay due to inherited sensitivity to acids or poor tooth structure.
Fluoride deficiency: Fluoride is a mineral substance that strengthens the enamel layer in the teeth and protects it from corrosion, as lack of fluoride in your water or using bottled water not sweetened with fluoride can increase your risk of tooth decay
Not visiting the dentist regularly: Not making regular visits to the dentist for examination and cleaning can allow cavities to develop without being detected and treated early.
Methods of treating tooth decay in children
If you notice the appearance of tooth decay in your child, you must immediately begin a treatment plan to get rid of the tooth decay before it spreads into the mouth and affects the rest of the teeth and the infection worsens, causing more pain for the child, as treatment is as follows:
Dental filling: Tooth decay is cleaned and damaged parts of the teeth are removed.
Plaster placement: In cases of severe decay that affects the inner part of the tooth, the child may need a plaster placement (crown) to protect the tooth and restore its function.
Endodontics: If the decay has reached the roots, the child may need endodontics to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
Raising awareness of the need to pay attention to oral and dental health: Preventing tooth decay is the most important step, and prevention includes teaching children correct toothbrush techniques and education about the importance of healthy nutrition and reducing sugar consumption.
Use of fluoride: Substances that contain fluoride, such as certain types of toothpaste, can help strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Use of circumcision: In cases of advanced decay, circumcision may be used as an option to restore the tooth’s shape and function.
Treating tooth decay in children at home
Maintaining oral hygiene: This step includes teaching the child how to brush his teeth properly using a soft toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and using toothpaste containing fluoride and you should brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, after eating and before bed.
Reducing sugars: Consumption of sweets and soft drinks rich in sugar should be reduced, and children should be encouraged to eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.
Rinsing with clean water: After eating, children can rinse their mouth with clean water to help remove food residue and reduce plaque buildup.
Using dental floss: Dental floss can be used after brushing to remove debris from between the teeth that cannot be reached by brushing.
Providing foods rich in calcium: It is recommended to provide foods and drinks that contain calcium to enhance dental health, such as milk and dairy products.
Regular visits to the dentist: Children should be encouraged to visit the dentist regularly for routine examination and teeth cleaning to detect any problems early and treat them before they get worse.
Considering tooth decay in children is a common problem, awareness of its causes and methods of prevention and treatment is necessary to ensure oral and dental health, as parents should be aware of the importance of oral hygiene and proper nutrition for their children, in addition to making regular visits to the dentist and by following these measures, the risk of tooth decay can be reduced and children’s dental health can be maintained.
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