The structure of tooth enamel and how enamel is formed at the embryo stage is the most common cause of tooth decay in toddlers. If the enamel is not fully mineralised by childhood, bacteria (such as Streptococcus mutans) enter the tooth and can decay the tooth. It is seen that when enamel is not fully mineralised by childhood, bacteria (such as Streptococcus mutans) enter the tooth and can cause decay the tooth.
If enamel is not mineralised when the child is young and the teeths are still forming in the mouth, decay can occur as bacteria, sometimes in large numbers, enter the teeth and trigger the development of a second layer of enamel. Enamel on teeth is mineralised after a person’s first birthday. Children have only very little time when enamel is mineralised before it is replaced by the permanent tooth Causes of tooth decay / cavity
Most of the dental problems that children suffer from are rooted in their diet. Diets that consist of sugary and starchy foods are more likely to contribute to tooth decay. These foods should be eaten in moderation and monitored by a dental professional. Other tooth issues to be aware of include:
. Poor dental hygiene
. Poor diet.
. Vitamin A deficiency . Lack of fluoride.
Symptoms of Tooth decay
Symptoms of tooth decay in children vary from mild to severe. They include a rapid tooth decay-like cavity growth in the baby tooth that doesn’t fill up with the body’s adult tooth and a tender sore on the gum. More severe dental decay may cause pain and redness around the tooth which will interfere with the child’s ability to eat. Children will also become dehydrated if they cannot drink enough.
Other than the tooth itself, another thing that can be a sign of tooth decay is pain in the tooth. This can be on the lower back or sides of the tooth. The pain can sometimes be pain in the teeth with toothaches. The pain usually comes from the gums. This is because the enamel (the hard outer covering of the tooth) is affected, it can become inflamed and sensitive. As soon as you notice the pain, it’s time to see a dentist as soon as possible. An appointment should be made with the doctor as soon as possible. The first thing that the dentist does is check if the tooth is cracked. Once the tooth is deemed to be in a more advanced stage, the dentist will have to apply a numbing cream to numb the area. The dentist will then remove the impacted tooth or teeth.
Tooth decay treatment in children
The most effective home toothpastes provide active cleaning. You should try to use a toothpaste that contains abrasives and other small particles of abrasives like sodium carbonate and potassium chloride.
The abrasives help to remove tartar and other stains from your teeth. Your teeth will look whiter, and your gum will feel smooth.
Another option is using a fluoride-free toothpaste, which may be less abrasive. Always read the label and don’t use it too frequently, however, because of the potential for danger.
Do Baby Teeth Needs to be Treated if they have a Cavity?
For the most part, once babies’ teeth are placed in their mouths, the teeth are far less likely to get broken, chipped or caught by things like glasses. You can put some baby braces on your baby teeth and use them as springboards for toddler teeth. Baby teeth are far more likely to be treated properly with little to no cavity risk, even if they aren’t present. But if your baby doesn’t have baby teeth or they are getting ready to fall out, then you should treat baby teeth with cavities.
You can put toothpaste in their mouth to help remove any moisture. You will also need to do this for a bit longer than you’d usually treat cavities in kids. A good rule of thumb is that if a cavity is between their baby teeth, your best bet is to let that cavity be untreated. In most cases, cavities in babies get worse the longer the cavity has been left untreated. You can save your teeth a lot of trouble by treating cavities in baby teeth before the cavities start getting worse.
Prevention
A child’s tooth can be quickly destroyed by a variety of external factors (falling, consuming toxic substances, biting, cracking and consuming foods containing no vitamins or nutrients.) Though, at a very young age, we can protect our children’s tooth from decay by regularly brushing their teeth and thoroughly rinsing away any plaque with water. Once the teeth are exposed saliva helps carry minerals away from the tooth. It is important to watch children closely for signs of tooth decay as early detection can prevent dental pain or further damage.
As children develop and their teeth grow, the condition of the tooth can gradually increase. At around two, tooth decay is common. By four years of age, tooth decay has increased in children and becomes nearly universal. Tooth decay, even when it starts during early childhood.
The best way to prevent tooth decay in young children is by following the American Dental Association (ADA)’s guidelines of caring for children’s teeth:
• Brush at the same time every day for two minutes at a time with a toothbrush with a retractable handle to prevent an adult from pulling a child’s tooth.
• Prevent the dry mouth and tooth pain often associated with tooth decay by drinking lots of water. Avoid foods and beverages that make your mouth dry such as drinks and juices.
• Use a fluoridated toothpaste (preferably fluoride-free) that contains a pea-sized amount of fluoride to promote healthy teeth. It can be used for children if the teeth is exposed for the first time or if the teeth has already begun to change or cause pain.
• Raise the children in a home with adequate bedding, sheets, blankets and pillows. Don’t leave toothbrushes out in the open and avoid leaving them. If a child falls, help them get to their feet and smile to show the tooth is still there. Avoid spitting on a child’s tooth or brushing it at the first sign of damage.
• Don’t allow children to bite or chew any part of the face of clothing, which can wear away tooth enamel.