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Tooth Decay and Children

Cavities aren’t just a grown-up problem. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42% of children aged 2 to 11 develop a cavity in their baby teeth. As a parent, what do you need to know about tooth decay in children? How can you keep their teeth healthy? At Robison Dental Group, our dentist in Mesa, AZ 85213 wants to help! That’s why our we’ve compiled some information to help you understand and prevent tooth decay in your children.

What Causes Tooth Decay in Children?

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth eating away at tooth enamel. It can happen when foods high in sugar or carbohydrates sit on the teeth, feeding bad bacteria and combining with saliva to form plaque, which erodes the teeth. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a common cause of tooth decay in small children is going to bed with a bottle. The milk or juice in the bottle sits overnight on the child’s teeth, causing a phenomenon known as bottle rot.

Which Children Are at Risk for Decay?

Strictly speaking, any child who has teeth is at risk for decay. The following factors may increase your child’s risk:

●     A diet high in sugars and carbohydrates

●     Water supply with no or little fluoride

●     Poor oral hygiene

●     Reduced saliva production

How to Prevent Decay in Children

One of the easiest things you can do to prevent your toddler or small child from developing tooth decay is toavoid sending him to bed with a bottle or sippy cup filled with juice or milk. If he needs a sippy cup to sleep, water is the better choice. During the day, if your child is going to consume a sugary beverage, encourage him to do so quickly. This prevents the teeth from prolonged exposure to sugar. Encourage your child to develop a good routine of brushing and flossing, and get him on a regular schedule of dental cleanings as soon as he has his first tooth.

Treating Tooth Decay

If your child has already developed tooth decay that has led to the development of cavities, he’ll need to be treated by a licensed dentist near you. Though treatment varies based on the degree of decay and age of the child, most likely the decay will have to be removed from the affected tooth and replaced with a filling. A full crown may be needed if the damage is well advanced. This prevents the entire tooth from rotting, in which case it would need to be pulled. If decay isn’t treated promptly, it could lead to damage in the development of permanent adult teeth.

 As a parent, keeping your child healthy is important to you. That includes helping him to maintain a healthy mouth and teeth. At Robison Dental Group, your dental office in Mesa, AZ 85213, we are here to support you. Working together we can protect your child’s smile from infancy to adulthood.