Prevention of Childhood Tooth Decay

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that nearly 20 percent of children under 11 have decay in at least one tooth. More than 15 percent of children have a condition known as hypomineralisation, which causes the enamel to soften. These children are even more susceptible to tooth decay.

Some people mistakenly think that cavities in primary teeth can go untreated since they will fall out in time. However, tooth decay in children can have a long-lasting impact on oral health. Tooth decay develops on the outermost layer of the tooth, known as the enamel. When bacteria come into contact with sugars, it creates a corrosive substance that burrows into the tooth. Eventually, a cavity will develop.

It can be difficult to detect tooth decay in young children, as early stage cavities often cause no symptoms. If left untreated, the cavities can deepen and funnel bacteria into the interior of the tooth.

Severely damaged baby teeth are at risk of falling out early. As primary teeth act as guides for permanent teeth, this can cause severe misalignments and bite problems. Children may also experience pain and swelling in their gums. This can make it difficult to eat.

There are several reasons for tooth decay in young children. For instance, nursing infants may develop cavities if parents allow them to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk or other sweetened liquid. The sugars in the drink collect on the teeth and sleeping babies do not produce enough saliva to wash the bacteria away.

Older children who consume too many sugary beverages are also at higher risk of tooth decay. Parents should also avoid giving their children acidic drinks like citrus fruits and soda.

Very young children also have difficulty performing oral hygiene tasks, so it is up to adult caregivers to clean children’s teeth. Parents should start an oral hygiene routine as soon as the first tooth emerges. Since consuming toothpaste can be toxic, parents should only use water to clean their infants’ teeth.

Parents can begin using a very small amount of toothpaste after children turn 6 years old. However, children won’t have the motor skills to efficiently clean their own teeth until they are about 8 years old, so parents should provide assistance and supervision until then. Children with special needs may require support for an extended period, or indefinitely.

Parents should model proper hygiene practices for their children and ensure they brush and floss twice a day. In addition to establishing a healthy oral hygiene routine, parents should also take their children to the dentist twice a year after they reach 12 months old. During a routine exam, the dentist will look for signs of decay.

There are also preventative procedures that dentists can do to make the enamel more resistant. For example, dentists can apply a thin protective layer on top of the molars to prevent cavities. They can also provide fluoride supplements or coatings for children living in areas that do not add fluoride to the drinking water. Children with hypomineralisation can benefit from sealings, fillings, crowns, or, in severe cases, extractions.