Prevention of caries in children is one of the primary tasks for every responsible parent. Parents often assume that improper brushing and flossing are the cause of tooth decay in children. Partly it is. Only a few people understand and accept the fact that cavities are caused by microbes that spread within the same family for quite a long time. It is very common in young children, even more so than some chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma.
How is caries formed?
Tooth decay begins with exposure to a group of microbes known as Streptococcus mutans. According to Burton Edelstein, DDS parent advisor, founder and director of dental health projects, bacteria are able to feed on sugar and produce acid that eats away at tooth tissue and causes calcium deficiency. Worse still, they form a yellowish film on the teeth that continues to erode the enamel of the teeth (read " Yellow teeth in a child "). The surface of the tooth is destroyed in those areas where there is a strong lack of calcium. This is how caries is formed.
Causes of caries in children
The main cause of cavities is improper brushing and flossing to remove accumulated plaque. But there are also a number of other reasons:
- Food . Foods that stick to or can be deposited on the surfaces and edges of teeth can lead to cavities. Starchy foods and all sugars are a major source of plaque formation, along with bread, dry cereal, caramel, raisins, honey, and milk.
- bacteria . Babies don't naturally have a lot of harmful bacteria in their mouths, but studies show they can be infected, mostly from their mothers, as early as two years of age. How? Very simply - by transferring saliva with repeated use by the mother of the same spoon that the child eats. Sometimes they also allow children to brush their teeth with their toothbrush. And if the mother has caries, then you should not even wonder where he came from in the child. Once colonies of bacteria develop in a child's mouth, there is an increased chance of cavities. This can lead to toothache, eating difficulties, and other symptoms.
- An excess of fluorine . Fluoride is present in tap water and can be good for your teeth as it helps prevent plaque buildup and protect tooth enamel. However, too much fluoride can be bad for your health and cause fluorosis, which causes white spots on your teeth. So, children under 2-3 years old should not use toothpaste containing fluoride.
Symptoms of caries in children
While the formation of large lesions can be painful, many people neglect the treatment of small and tiny caries formations, as they are not a cause for concern. Sometimes cavities form between the teeth, then their detection becomes more difficult. Some important noticeable symptoms include:
- High sensitivity to warm and cold foods;
- Crying and sleeplessness at night;
- Anxiety;
- Hypersensitivity to spicy food;
- Toothache.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above in your child, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. He will be able to easily detect cavities and allow you to take their development under control. Delaying the appointment can worsen the condition and put the integrity of the tooth at risk.
Rules for the prevention of caries in a child
For proper prevention of caries in children, the following points must be observed:
- Maintaining oral hygiene
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Age group |
How to Maintain Oral Hygiene |
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Infants (children under 1 year old) |
Start brushing your child's gums even before they have their first teeth. Wipe your gums after each feed with a damp cloth. Start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they appear. Move the toothbrush along the gum line and on the surface in a back and forth motion. When using toothpaste, make sure it does not contain fluoride. |
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Toddlers (children aged 2-3 years) |
You should brush your child's teeth well before bed and after breakfast for 60 seconds. When reaching the age of 2-3 years, you can use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Floss should be used between touching teeth. |
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Preschool age (children 4-6 years old) |
Make sure your child brushes their teeth regularly and praise them for it. Research shows that electric and manual toothbrushes are equally effective, but your child can use an automatic toothbrush to make the process easier. |
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School age |
By age 7, children can usually brush and floss on their own. Brush your teeth for two minutes. Check for food debris along the gum line to know if your child is brushing properly. You can give him gum containing xylitol. |
- Teach kids to drink from glasses
Make sure your child starts drinking from a regular glass or cup at 12-15 months of age. This minimizes the chances of fluid accumulating around the tooth. In addition, the child will not be able to take a glass to bed.
- Limit your intake of sweets and juices
- Do not allow your child to eat sugary, sticky foods such as cookies, gummies, or candy. Chips and crackers also contain sugar and should only be consumed with meals. You should explain to your children that they should try not to leave food on their teeth while eating.
- Juices should be served with meals and should be limited to 100-200 ml per day. Juices are not recommended for children under 6 months of age.
- When you put your baby to bed, make sure there is no food or bottle with him. Not only is this harmful to the teeth, but it can also cause choking and ear infections.
- Avoid infection
If you have dental problems, do not share your toothbrush and utensils with your child. Don't let him put his finger in his mouth. You can reduce the concentration of bacteria in your mouth with a prescription antibacterial rinse. Ultimately, this will reduce the development of germs in the child's mouth. Studies have shown that a mother chewing sugar-free, xylitol-containing gum four times a day can significantly reduce the level of bacteria in her mouth.
Prevention of caries of milk teeth
Treatment of caries in children
In some cases, the treatment is carried out by removing caries and filling the remaining cavity with a composite material, dental amalgam, gold or porcelain to restore the original shape and size of the tooth. Periodic visits to the dentist are highly recommended to ensure oral health.
