Children's tooth decay - test everything you know

 

Tooth decay is not only the most common form of oral disease-it is also one of Australia's most prevalent diseases. More than 90 percent of adults experienced tooth decay at some stage in their lives-this could have started for many in childhood.

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth, which feed on food and drink containing sugars. These bacteria transform sugars into acids which could damage the teeth's outer layer. This can cause teeth to weaken over time and cavities to form. Want to get more information about how sugar can affect your dental health?

Children may be more vulnerable than adults to tooth decay, likely because they also eat more free sugars than any other age group. That's why it's crucial for parents and children to know how to identify the signs that tooth decay can occur and how to lower the risks by looking after their teeth.

Can tooth decay have an impact on babies?

Even if your child eats only milk or formula, the teeth that they grow are still vulnerable to bacteria, plaque and decay. Their protective layer of enamel appears to be thinner and lighter than that of an adult, making it often more vulnerable to damage

Can encourage bacteria to allow milk to remain in sustained contact with a child's teeth. That's why after eating, you should clean your child's mouth and stop using a bottle to put them to bed.

As soon as they appear, you should start brushing your child's teeth, using a wet cloth or toothbrush for small children. From 18 months you may start using low-fluoride toothpaste for children.

What are noticeable signs of tooth decay?

You can sometimes see signs of tooth decay by raising your lip and inspecting your child's teeth.

An early sign of tooth decay can be white bands on the gum line. Yellow or brown bands may display development of the disease and darkened or discoloured teeth suggest advanced deterioration of the tooth

All of these are a cause of concern and you should schedule a check-up with the dentist for your child.

White spots or flecks on the teeth may be caused by too much fluoride penetration as the teeth grew (fluorosis), or they may be a side-effect of an infection or medication. Just to be sure, you can consult with your child's dentist.

What are the non visible signs of deterioration of the tooth?

Toothache, irritation, poor breath and discoloured teeth are signs common to a variety of oral health issues. To get a comprehensive diagnosis and discuss treatments you should make an appointment with your child's dentist as soon as possible.

What is the main cause of decay in the tooth?

A study of children aged 6-13 showed that, in a typical week, nearly two-thirds drink fruit juice and more than half soft drink.

Many fizzy beverages have a high sugar content, which raises the risk of tooth decay. These drinks are also highly acidic, which can erode the teeth 's surfaces and make them more harmful. Fruit juice can also be high in sugar and acids, consuming as much as soft drinks on occasion.

Plain water (especially fluoridated tap water), and plain milk are the best tooth-friendly drinks. The perfect alternatives to sugary foods are fresh fruit and raw vegetables.

Will it prevent tooth decay?

The good news for parents and children is that you may take action to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Although it's not possible to fully get rid of bacteria, you can reduce plaque build-up on your teeth by helping your child maintain good oral hygiene.

Parents should twice daily brush their child's teeth and gums until they are old enough to handle the brush on their own, usually about 8 years. Just a pea-sized volume of low-fluoride toothpaste for children from around 18 months up to 6 years should be used. Then they can start using daily fluoride toothpaste after this time.

Your child's dentist can also prescribe preventive treatments such as sealants for fissures to reduce their risk of tooth decay. Sealants can be used to seal pits and fissures that can trap food and bacteria on primary or permanent teeth. They can also make the surfaces of teeth cleaner and easier to clean.

Oral hygiene of children is important but clinical tests are also necessary

There are ways to help your child minimise the risk of oral health issues at home, but early signs of decay can be undetectable or easy to ignore.

To meet pediatric dentistry visit Tooth Affair in Bangalore. Contact now to book an appointment - 080 37518704 / 96063 05454 OR Email to info@toothaffair.com

At Tooth Affair, we are known for providing best dental health care services to all individuals. Backed by a state of the art infrastructural facility and a dedicated & well trained staff, our dental care center has carved a niche in the industry by offering excellent oral and dental services at all levels. We believe in serving our patients with utmost care and concern. The dental specialists at Tooth affair use most advanced equipment and technology to give you the award-winning smile and attractive look.