Caries in Children
Tooth enamel may decay at any age. Children are often susceptible to caries. However, some parents mistakenly believe that they may discard this issue in little kids. In practice, untreated caries in baby teeth may affect permanent teeth as well.
Main features and symptoms
Early childhood caries is characterized by rapid expansion. Within a short period of time, it tends to have several teeth affected.
At the initial stage, caries appears in milk teeth as small spots on the enamel. The child may feel discomfort when eating cold, hot food, or sweets. If these symptoms appear, you should immediately contact your dentist. Otherwise, caries will develop/progress.
Causes of caries in children
Enamel erosion is caused by bacteria in plaque. Therefore, poor oral hygiene is believed to be one of the main preconditions for dental caries in children.
Some other causes should be mentioned as well.
- High carb food.
- Compromised immunity.
- Genetic susceptibility.
The baby’s teeth start to develop during the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore the mother’s diseases may cause the baby’s oral cavity problems. Besides, doctors mention the baby bottle tooth decay. It most often occurs in the front teeth due to unhealthy eating.
Disease prophylaxis in babies
To prevent tooth decay in infants, the following simple measures should be taken.
- Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle.
- Teach your child to practice good oral hygiene and enjoy daily teeth brushing.
- Limit sugary food or drinks.
Caries can be prevented in children with teeth fluoridation. A special solution applied to the enamel is good for little patients and do not change their teeth color. Teeth fluoridation is a quick procedure, making teeth resistant to pathology.
Upon examination or X-ray procedure, the dentist decides if milk teeth should be treated. Carious cavities are to be cleaned mechanically, following by the teeth restoration with special filling materials.
To refuse treatment?
Caries is common in kids aged 2-4 years. This disease may occur even in toddles under one year of age, which complicates therapy. However, the problem should be solved anyway. Caries treatment of permanent teeth in children is a longer and more complicated procedure comparing to baby teeth. The problem is not solved by postponing a dental checkup but gets worse. Pathological processes in milk teeth will affect permanent ones, and may result in disturbed occlusion and teeth aesthetics issues.
At the dentist’s discretion only, caries treatment in children can be postponed. If the specialist sees that deciduous teeth are to be replaced soon, therapy can be discarded.
Denta Vita has excellent conditions for caries treatment in children of different ages. Our specialists know how to build relations with children and to convince even the most stubborn of them to pass treatment.
Besides, our dental clinic has a relative analgesia machine to deliver nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help even adult patients overcome their fear of dental treatment. So schedule an appointment for your kid or yourself, and we will not let you go without a healthy smile.