Childhood tooth decay is a common oral issue among children due to their eating habits. Children like to eat candies, ice cream, chips etc which have high amounts of sugary substances. These sugary substances come into contact form acids in your mouth during their breakdown. These acids eventually lead to cavities. Childhood tooth decay if left untreated, can cause the child to experience pain and discomfort. Good oral care can help avoid childhood cavities among children.
What Are Cavities in Children?
Cavities in children are holes in teeth, also known as childhood caries or tooth decay. It is the most common oral care problem in children.
Childhood tooth decay or tooth decay in general is the breakdown of enamel, the outer hard surface of the tooth. It is very difficult to identify early childhood cavities as childhood tooth decay doesn’t cause any pain as compared to adults. Multiple factors can cause cavities in children-
- Bacteria that develop in the mouth produce acids which damage the enamel.
- Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of cavities in children.
- Weaker enamel can expose their teeth to damage easily.
- Some genetic factors can contribute to damaging a child’s teeth early in their life.
Common Causes of Cavities in Children
There are some pretty common reasons which cause childhood cavities or childhood dental caries which get ignored normally. Some of the reasons are mentioned below:
Poor Oral Hygiene- The absence of regular brushing and flossing leads to the collection of foods and germs in the teeth which forms plaque and causes childhood tooth decay.
Sugary and Acidic foods and drinks- Regular intake of sugary beverages or soda and frequent snacking, especially on sweets and candies form harmful bacteria and these bacteria live on sugars and produce acid which causes early childhood cavities. Learn more about the relationship between sugar and cavities here.
Bottle Feeding- Children who are habitual in using bottled drinks such as sugary milk or juice, especially at night, can cause what is known as baby bottle tooth decay.
Lack of Fluoride- Fluoride helps to protect teeth by making the enamel more resistant to acid. Lack of enough fluoride in drinking water or in toothpaste causes early childhood cavities.
Dry Mouth- Saliva is extremely important in removing food residue or harmful substances from the mouth. It also neutralizes the acid in the mouth. Children who experience dry mouth often due to breathing through their mouth, have a high risk of early childhood cavities.
Risk Factors That Contribute to Cavities in Kids
Some children are more prone to cavities due to the following risk factors:
Age- Children are less skilled at brushing and flossing properly, which increases their chances of getting childhood caries.
Diet- A diet that consists of high-sugar items and refined carbohydrates creates a perfect environment for bacteria to grow which eventually turns into childhood tooth decay.
Oral Habits- Continuous thumb-sucking or use of a pacifier beyond the age of 3 years can cause misalignment of teeth, and also it increases the chances of childhood tooth decay.
Family History- Genetics play a vital role in determining whether the child is more vulnerable to cavities, especially if there is a family history of dental issues.
Medical and Lifestyle Factors Linked to Cavities in Children
In addition, there is a range of medical and lifestyle factors which ultimately result in developing cavities in infant teeth. These include:
Medical Condition- Children with chronic conditions like asthma or allergies may experience oral dryness, in the long run, it increases the chances of cavities in infant teeth.
Medications- Some medications reduce the formation of saliva in the mouth, as saliva plays an important role in washing out the bacteria naturally and keeping the mouth clean.
Development Delays- Those children who suffer from developmental or physical disabilities may have trouble maintaining proper dental hygiene which results in childhood tooth caries.
Feeding and Sleeping Habits- Bottle feeding at the time of sleeping and continuously munching on sugary snacks may result in chronic childhood dental caries.
Preventing Cavities in Children
Good oral hygiene, proper diet and regular dental checkups are very much essential for preventing childhood tooth decay or infant tooth decay. Some of the treatments for early childhood caries are mentioned below:
Brush Twice a Day- Help your child understand the importance of brushing twice a day for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss Daily- Flossing helps in removing the excess food particles between the teeth which can not be done by only brushing. Check Perfora’s Power Dental Flosser.
Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods- Always go for fruits and vegetables rather than sugary snacks and sodas.
Regular Dental Visit- Schedule regular checkups with your dentist for any potential dental issues. This will detect the problem early on.
Avoid Bedtime Bottles- Try to avoid giving your child any sweet drinks bottle or sip cups at night. This habit also results in cavities in infant teeth.
Signs Your Child Might Have a Cavity
It is very important to recognize early tooth decay in a Child. The signs for these are:
Tooth Sensitivity- When your children complain about pain or any kind of discomfort while eating or drinking something hot or cold, this is an early sign of having a cavity.
Visible Holes or Dark Spots- The early signs of cavities are small black spots or pits on the surface of the teeth.
Toothache- Continuous pain in the teeth especially while chewing foods is another sign of tooth decay.
Bad Breath- Persistent or unpleasant odour from the mouth or bad taste in the mouth can be a sign of childhood tooth decay or childhood cavities which has not been dealt with for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you fix child tooth decay?
Answer- Treatment for tooth decay usually depends upon the extent of the cavity. In the early stages, it can be reversed by using fluoride treatment, it helps in curing slight damage.
2. Is it normal for a 15 year old to have tooth decay?
Answer- Cavity is a problem that knows no age but it shouldn’t be a case of a 15-year-old who is already in their teenage years. Other cases like poor oral hygiene, improper diet or failure to visit nearby dental clinics may lead to cavities being formed at this age.
3. What is the first stage of childhood tooth decay?
Answer- The first stage of tooth decay appears as white spots on the enamel, which indicates mineral depletion in the teeth. At this point, decay can often be reversed by proper dental hygiene, dietary changes, and fluoride treatments.