Tooth decay in children is a condition that all children are susceptible to due to their weak dental structure, which makes their teeth more vulnerable to decay compared to adults and this is not a problem that cannot be solved, but there are many solutions that, once applied, will make your child’s teeth less susceptible to decay.
In this article, we will be keen to learn about the decay that affects a child’s teeth, what are its causes, what are its symptoms, and how it can be eliminated to keep your child’s smile healthy and beautiful, so follow along with us.
What is tooth decay in children?
Tooth decay in children, scientifically known as tooth decay, is a condition that affects the teeth due to the accumulation of bacteria and food debris on the surface of the tooth and this buildup produces bacteria and acids that dissolve the outer enamel layer of the teeth, as decay progresses, bacteria and acids damage the teeth, penetrating the inner layers, including the tooth’s pulp and nerve and at this point, the child may have inflammation of the tooth’s pulp and nerve, which can cause severe pain and if decay continues without treatment, infections may spread to infect the tissues surrounding the tooth, leading to the appearance of a dental abscess.
What are the causes of tooth decay in children?
- Baby sleeping while feeding from a bottle of milk.
- The mother chews food and feeds the baby directly from her mouth.
- Eat with the baby with the same spoon as the mother.
- Put the baby’s pacifier in a sweetened liquid before giving it to the baby.
- Failure to take care of the child’s teeth or follow methods to prevent child tooth decay.
- A child’s misconceptions about the dentist make him afraid to go to the dentist.
- Excessive intake of sugars
- Treatment of tooth decay in children
- Remove caries and clean the affected surface
- Endodontics .
- Root treatment:
- Installation of crowns and bridges.
- Apply a protective seal (fluoride).
- Daily oral and dental health care
- Regular visits to the dentist.
How to prevent tooth decay in children
- Cleaning children’s teeth since the child’s first tooth emerges, whether by using a brush and paste or wiping the surface of the tooth with a soft, wet cloth.
- Encouraging older children to use a toothbrush, and having adults brush their teeth in front of children as a role model for them.
- Make teeth brushing time an entertaining time for the child.
- Brush the child’s teeth two to three times a day for two minutes each time.
- Use an amount of toothpaste that does not exceed the size of a small chickpea.
- The mother uses dental floss to clean between the child’s teeth.
- Visit the dentist periodically to check the health and safety of the child’s teeth.
- Provide the child with healthy food that contains calcium and vitamin D, such as milk and cheese.
- Avoid giving children sugary sweets, and prefer sweets that are sugar-free or contain safe sugar substitutes.
- Brush your child’s teeth before bed and avoid feeding him foods that contain sugar.
- Avoid exposing the child to shocks or falls to protect his teeth from breakage.
- Preventing children’s tooth decay with adhesive fillings.
- Motivate children and give them rewards when they brush their teeth.
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