As parents, we naturally strive to provide the best for our children. However, oral health can sometimes be overlooked amidst the many aspects of their well-being. It’s a concerning reality that nearly half of Australia’s children (about 48%) experience cavities before they reach age five. This statistic reminds us of the importance of addressing dental care for our little ones.
While it’s disheartening to think that cavities can appear at such a young age, the key lies in both their treatment and, more importantly, their prevention. In this article, we’ll learn how to maintain a healthy smile for your children, exploring the factors contributing to cavities and practical strategies to keep them at bay. Let’s equip ourselves with the knowledge to protect our children’s precious smiles.
What Causes Cavities in Children
Cavities in children, commonly known as tooth decay or caries, is a gradual process influenced by factors unique to their developing teeth. It begins with the interaction of bacteria and sugars in the mouth. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms on the teeth, it feeds on sugars from food and beverages, producing acids as byproducts. These acids, primarily lactic and acetic acids, attack the enamel—the protective outer layer of the teeth. Over time, repeated exposure to acids weakens the enamel, creating microscopic holes. As the enamel breaks down, the acid-producing bacteria burrows deeper into the tooth, reaching the softer dentin layer. The decay continues, forming cavities that, if left untreated, can progress to the pulp, where nerves and blood vessels reside. This process leads to pain and discomfort and poses a risk of infection.
Children’s teeth are also more vulnerable to bacterial attacks and cavity formation because their enamel is thinner and less mineralised than adult teeth. Proactive care and prevention help protect their developing teeth and ensure healthier teeth and gums.
Some factors that can cause cavities in children include:
- Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque build-up and eventually erode the enamel and cause cavities.
- Excessive consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages
- Infrequent visits to the dentist may result in undetected emerging cavities.
- A fluoride deficiency can increase the risk of cavities, whether from water, toothpaste, or other sources.
- Some children may have deep grooves or crevices in their molars that are challenging to clean effectively. These areas can become breeding grounds for bacteria and plaque, leading to cavities.
- Allowing a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing sugary liquids or prolonged use of a sippy cup can cause cavities, especially in the front teeth.
It’s important to understand the factors behind tooth decay to help prevent the emergence of cavities in children and reduce its risk.
How To Prevent Cavities in Children?
Preventing cavities in children involves a multifaceted approach that combines home and dental care to protect your kid’s teeth as they grow. Here are a few guidelines and tips to help keep your children’s teeth safe from cavities:
Regular Dentist Visits
Regular dentist visits are an essential defence in preventing caries in children. These routine checkups are pivotal in early detection, allowing dentists to identify signs of tooth decay before they escalate into more significant issues. It also allows dentists to monitor the mouth’s development and recommend timely treatment for any potential problem if needed. This negates the need for extensive and costly treatments in the future, setting your child’s dental health and growth in the right direction from a young age. Dental checkups may also include cleaning to remove plaque buildup and preventive treatments like fluoride and fissure sealants to strengthen and protect the teeth from decay.
At Blue Gum Dental, we recommend you make an appointment for your child’s first dental visit at 2 years old. This allows our dentists to conduct a gentle examination, assessing the condition and growth of their teeth. For older children, we may recommend cleaning to remove plaque and dental fillings if there’s a cavity. We also provide personalised guidance on home care, age-appropriate tools and essential education for parents and caregivers to help keep their children’s teeth healthy.
Make Brushing Habit
Establishing the habit of regular brushing is fundamental for caries prevention in both children and adults. Encouraging children to brush their teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste helps remove the plaque that harbours cavity-causing bacteria and fortify tooth enamel. Supervising younger children during brushing ensures thorough coverage of all tooth surfaces. Try to make brushing an enjoyable experience for children, implementing it as a family activity, using toothbrushes with their favourite characters or incorporating music or stories. This instils a positive association with oral care from a young age, preventing the accumulation of harmful bacteria while laying the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health practices.
Limit Sugar Intake
Sugars in foods and beverages fuel bacteria in the mouth and pave the way for cavities. Promoting a diet low in sugary snacks and drinks mitigates the risk of bacterial proliferation. Encouraging healthier alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products supports overall well-being, helping contribute to stronger and more resilient teeth. This mindful approach to nutrition acts as a protective shield against the onset of caries, fostering a foundation for good oral health and reducing the likelihood of cavity development in children.
Promote Water Consumption
Water is a natural cleanser, helping to rinse away food particles, acids, and bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay. Encouraging children to drink water throughout the day, especially after meals or sugary snacks, keeps them hydrated and is a proactive step in maintaining oral health. Furthermore, it’s a healthier alternative than sugar-filled, processed juices that harm their teeth and body.
Oral Health Education
Empowering children with knowledge about regular brushing, flossing, and maintaining a balanced diet imparts a sense of responsibility for their oral well-being. Teaching them about the consequences of sugary foods on teeth and the importance of regular dental checkups cultivates awareness regarding the potential harm caused by neglecting oral health. This not only equips children with the essential tools for effective self-care but also nurtures a lifelong understanding of the significance of oral health.
What is the Treatment for Cavities?
The treatment for cavities in children typically involves a combination of preventive measures, treatments, and ongoing oral care. Some common approaches include:
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are the standard treatment for small to moderate cavities. These can be made of composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the filling is placed to restore the tooth’s structure, halting decay and protecting it from further damage.
At Blue Gum Dental, we provide dental fillings for both children and adults, evaluating your kid’s dental health, extent of tooth decay, if any, and potential problems to provide precise treatment to help restore, repair and strengthen their teeth.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat cavities in children that have reached the pulp – the innermost part of the tooth. The procedure involves removing the infected pulp and cleaning the inside of the tooth to prevent further infection. Once the tooth is cleaned, it is filled with a special material and sealed to prevent bacteria from entering. In some cases, a crown may also be placed over the tooth to provide additional protection and restore its natural shape and function.
At Blue Gum Dental, we aim to save your child’s natural teeth and protect the surrounding teeth to ensure healthy oral development and growth. We take a preventive approach to dental care, promoting regular dental checkups to detect potential tooth decay and provide timely treatment. But there may be instances when the decay reaches the tooth pulp, becoming infected. If left untreated, the decay can spread to existing teeth while also putting the newly emerging permanent teeth at risk. In such situations, a root canal may be recommended to halt the decay and its spread. We explore all suitable options, considering your child’s age, primary and permanent teeth and risk factors before suggesting any treatment, allowing you to make informed decisions that always put your child’s oral health and overall well-being first.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a dental treatment that is sometimes required for cavities in children. If a cavity is too severe and has caused extensive damage to the tooth, it may not be possible to restore the tooth with a filling or crown. In this case, the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent further damage to the surrounding teeth and gums. The procedure involves numbing the area around the tooth, loosening the tooth with special tools, and removing it from the socket. After the extraction, your child may need to rest and avoid certain foods for a few days while the socket heals. Your dentist may also recommend a replacement tooth to maintain proper dental alignment and function.
At Blue Gum Dental, our dentists handle children’s extractions with gentle care, ensuring a comfortable experience for young patients. We offer same-day emergency dental care for your child, ensuring prompt attention and quality care when needed.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatment is a dental procedure used to prevent and treat cavities in children. It involves the application of a concentrated fluoride solution to the teeth, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. The fluoride works by attracting calcium and other minerals to the teeth, which then become incorporated into the enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to acid attacks. Fluoride treatment is a simple, painless, and effective way to protect your child’s teeth and keep them healthy. It can be done during a routine dental checkup and is suitable for children of all ages.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a type of treatment that can help prevent cavities in children. They are a thin coating that is applied to the surface of the teeth, usually the molars and premolars, to protect them from decay. The sealant material is usually a plastic resin, which bonds to the tooth and hardens quickly under a special light.
Sealants work by filling in the tiny grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, which are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. These areas are particularly vulnerable to decay, especially in children who may not have developed good brushing and flossing habits yet.
Cavity Prevention & Treatments at Blue Gum Dental
Cavities may seem small, but they can significantly impact your child’s comfort, health, and quality of life. By taking care early and getting prompt treatment, you can prevent further damage to your child’s teeth, ensuring they maintain a radiant and pain-free smile throughout childhood.
At Blue Gum Dental, we aim to instil positive dental experiences for children from a young age, providing a warm and relaxing environment, a friendly team of dentists and staff and gentle treatments focused on prevention, restoration and maintenance.
Your child’s oral health journey starts with you. Schedule an appointment to take the first step for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
