Tooth decay, also known as a cavity, occurs when the enamel of the teeth is harmed by bacteria buildup. The bacteria feed on sugar left behind from food and drinks. During this process, the acids that form attack the enamel, leading to tooth decay. It is among the most common chronic health problems in children, but many prevention methods can help.
Starting in infancy, cleaning your baby's gums with a soft and damp cloth can remove the bacteria after feedings. Even natural sugars in breast milk and formula can cause bacteria growth, so it's important to clean the inside of your child's mouth regularly. When their first tooth erupts, start brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). By the age of 3, you can start using a pea-size amount. Before your infant's first birthday, introduce them to a cup, as learning how to drink from one can prevent cavities.
Building the habit of brushing the teeth twice a day for two minutes is essential for keeping teeth healthy. It's also important for children to floss between the teeth to avoid build-up that can lead to tooth decay. Children under 8 should be supervised when they're brushing their teeth on their own. Make sure that your child gets fluoride, which is in tap water and toothpaste products. Studies indicate that fluoride helps fight tooth decay by protecting teeth from being damaged by acids and rebuilding tooth enamel.
In addition to cleaning the teeth, diet plays a huge role in cavity prevention. Beverages and foods high in added sugar promote bacterial growth in the mouth and should be limited. Encourage water and milk over juices and soda. Be especially careful of food items that stick to the teeth, like candy and gummy-like foods, as these are among the biggest culprits for cavities. It's also important that your child gets enough calcium and vitamin D to help with calcium absorption, as these nutrients aid in building strong teeth and keeping gums healthy. Dairy foods, tofu, and green vegetables like broccoli are excellent sources of calcium.
Lastly, you'll want to make sure that your children keep up with regular pediatric dental visits and well-check visits with the pediatrician. Doing so allows health professionals to check for problems that could increase the risk of tooth decay. Certain conditions can make children more susceptible to cavities, such as having less saliva flow than normal, open-mouth breathing (which may be common in kids with allergies), and dry mouth. Some kids might be genetically predisposed if their tooth anatomy makes it hard to reach crevices. That is why visiting the dentist every six months is important.
If your child does have a cavity, it's always better to find it early so that the dentist can use less invasive treatments and prevent the cavity from progressing to a more serious problem that requires a complex procedure like a root canal. When spotted early enough, your dentist may only need to put in a small filling, which usually causes minimal to no pain and saves most of the natural tooth.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's dental health, call our office.
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