Starting good dental habits early keeps children’s teeth healthy. Yet, as a parent, you know how difficult it can be to get your children to brush their teeth and engage in a good oral health regimen.
You may not be able to always be at your children’s side to police their morning and nighttime routines. But, still, you know it is up to you to encourage them, teach them the habits that will keep them healthy, and instill the importance of taking care of their teeth. And, even though your child may do a good job of brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once each day, they may get cavities anyway.
At Sninski and Schmitt Family Dentistry, we see children every day who are trying to keep their teeth healthy and yet they are getting cavities. This article describes why teeth cleaning is important, what children and parents can do to prevent cavities, and to make sure cavities are few and far between.
Tooth Decay in Children
Tooth decay is a common childhood disease characterized by the breakdown of tooth enamel due to the action of bacteria and acids from food, especially sugary foods and drinks. Early signs can include white or brown spots on the teeth, which can lead to small holes (cavities) and, if untreated, can destroy the tooth’s crown. Untreated tooth decay can cause pain, difficulty eating and speaking, and potentially lead to infection.
What Causes Tooth Decay in Children?
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria and other things. Tooth decay can happen when foods containing carbohydrates, sugars, and starches, are left on the teeth. Such food as milk, soda, raisins, candy, cake, fruit juices, cereals, and bread. Bacteria that normally live in the mouth change these foods, making acids. The combination of bacteria, food, acid, and saliva form a substance called plaque that sticks to the teeth. Over time, the acids made by the bacteria eat away at the tooth enamel, causing cavities.
These are some of the leading causes of tooth decay in children:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to accumulate and erode tooth enamel.
- Diet High in Sugar: Sugar and starchy foods and drinks provide fuel for bacteria that produce acids that damage teeth.
- Lack of Fluoride: Fluoride strengthens enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay. Children who do not have access to fluoridated water or fluoride toothpaste may be at higher risk.
- Infants Put to Bed With a Bottle: Milk or formula can pool in the mouth while the baby sleeps, encouraging the growth of decay-causing bacteria.
- Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva flow can limit the mouth’s natural cleansing and protective abilities.
Children At Risk for Tooth Decay
All children, and adults alike, have bacteria in their mouths. So all children are at risk for tooth decay. But, the following may raise your child’s risk for tooth decay:
- High levels of the bacteria that cause cavities
- A diet high in sugars and starches
- Water supply that has limited or no fluoride in it
- Poor oral hygiene
- Less saliva flow than normal
When Should Children Go to the Dentist?
Your child should see a dentist within six months of the first tooth coming in or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Going to the dentist at a young age can identify problems early and get your child used to the dentist looking in their mouth. As children get older, they should go to the dentist on a regular schedule–usually between every three months to once a year. Consult with your dentist as to what is best for your child.
How Do I Keep My Children’s Teeth Clean?
Keeping children’s teeth clean involves a multi-faceted approach including brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and regular dental visits. Using proper brushing techniques is crucial, including using a soft-bristled toothbrush and circular motions. Parental supervision is highly recommended to ensure they are brushing effectively.
Brush teeth twice a day for about two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Brush last thing at night before bed and on one other occasion during the day. Use children’s fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000 ppm of fluoride unless a dentist advises family toothpaste containing between 1,350 ppm and 1,500 ppm fluoride.
Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay in Your Child
You can help prevent tooth decay in your child with these simple steps:
- Begin with cleaning their gums before teeth emerge and brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Brush the teeth, tongue, and gums for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. After the child gets older, watch as he/she brushes their teeth.
- For children younger than 3 years old, use only a small amount of toothpaste, generally about the size of a grain of rice. Starting at 3 years old, increase the size of the toothpaste to a pea.
- Floss your child’s teeth daily after age 2.
- Prevent the transfer of bacteria from your mouth to the child’s. Don’t share eating utensils. And, don’t clean your baby’s pacifier with your saliva.
- If your child uses a bottle at bedtime, only put water in it. Juice and formula contain sugars that can lead to tooth decay.
- Make sure your child eats a well-balanced diet by limiting sugary foods and drinks.
- Choose healthy snacks for them by opting for tooth-friendly snacks like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and cheese.
- Encourage water consumption.
- Teach healthy habits. Be a good role model by demonstrating good oral hygiene yourself and teaching your child about the importance of healthy teeth.
- Regular dental visits for early checkups are recommended.
- Ask your dentist about fluoride varnish applications, which can strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
- If your dentist recommends it, consider sealants that serve as a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
Treatment Options if Decay Occurs
Treatments for tooth decay in children depend on the severity and location of the decay, as well as the child’s age and overall health. According to the Cleveland Clinic, common treatments include fluoride treatments, dental fillings, crowns, pulpotomy (baby root canal), and sometimes extraction.
Some of the common treatments for tooth decay in children:
- Fluoride Treatments: If decay is caught early, fluoride treatments can help strengthen the enamel and reverse the decay process.
- Dental Fillings: This is the most common treatment for minor to moderate cavities. A dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and fills the cavity with a material like composite resin or amalgam.
- Dental Crowns: Crowns are used for larger cavities or when a tooth is several damaged. They can be made of metal, ceramic, or a combination of both.
- Pulpotomy (baby root canal): This procedure is used when the pulp of a baby tooth is infected or damaged. It involves removing the infected pulp and replacing it with a medication to seal the tooth.
- Extraction: In some cases, especially for baby teeth that are getting ready to fall out, extraction may be necessary. Space maintainers are then used to prevent the teeth from shifting.
Establishing Healthy Habits That Last
Work on establishing healthy habits that last. One way to make brushing fun is to incorporate games, rewards, and fun tools like music or apps. Here are some examples:
- Superhero Brushing: Imagine brushing as a battle against tooth-decaying monsters.
- Mirror Work: Use a mirror to make it easier for children to see their teeth being brushed.
- Turn It Into a Challenge: Encourage kids to reach all the back teeth or try brushing for a set time.
- Use Rewards: One idea is to use a sticker chart to reward good brushing with a prize when the chart is filled. Offer a small treat after brushing, like a book, toy, or a favorite activity.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Always use positive reinforcement with praise for good brushing efforts, making it a positive experience.
Contact Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry to Schedule a Dental Appointment
With pediatric dentistry as a focus of our practice, we are dedicated to the oral health of your children. At Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry, our entire team is here to create a pleasurable experience for your children at an early age. We take a variety of insurance plans and are currently accepting new patients. Call our Holly Springs dentist office at 919-600-6262 or our Cary, NC dentist office at 919-467-2203. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. You can trust us with all of your dental needs.