Key Things to Know About Kids Cavities

Cavities or tooth decays are the breakdown or destruction of the tooth enamel. Kids are more prone to cavities due to bad diet and poor oral hygiene. When a tooth starts to decay, it can gradually erode the enamel – the hard-outer surface of the tooth. Tiny holes get created in the process, which can grow bigger if treatment for cavities is not sought.

In children or adults, tooth decay is generally caused by bacteria, and some factors are also responsible for that. Those who eat sugary foods and items or foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are more likely to have cavities than the rest. When left in the mouth, such foods come in contact with the bacteria, and acid forms.     

The foods, bacteria, acid, and saliva combine in the mouth and lead to plaque formation – the white sticky substance responsible for various dental health risks. The plaque and the acid can gradually eat away at the enamel to cause cavities.

Factors that increase the risk for tooth decay

Since bacteria are present in the mouth of every one of us, we all are at risk for tooth decay. However, some children are more prone than others as this affects diet and oral hygiene.

Here are some of the factors that can increase the risk of tooth decay –

• The presence of high levels of bacteria in the mouth can increase the chances of cavities.
• Kids with a diet high in sugars and starches are more likely to have cavities than others.
• Poor oral hygiene means the bacteria and plaque don’t get washed away, increasing the likelihood of cavities.
• The flow of saliva getting negatively affected as less the saliva, more chances of plaque and bacteria residing in the mouth
• Using a water supply with limited or no fluoride content can also increase the chances of cavities.

Symptoms of tooth decay in a child

Cavities are characterized by decay, which tends to vary from child to child. In general, symptoms of tooth decay are pretty common and easy to spot by dentists.

Here are the significant symptoms of tooth decay in a child –  

• The emergence of white spots on the teeth in the areas affected
• The white spots may be pronounced or less pronounced in the early stages of tooth decay, depending on the damage
• An experience of early sensitivity in the teeth due to the breaking down of the enamel
• An early cavity will be visible on the tooth, which will have light brown color or shade
• The hole will turn into a darker shade of black or brown when it becomes more profound over time

• The child may feel pain in the affected area around the tooth

• A moderate to mild sensitivity to foods that are hot, cold, or sweet

• Cavities, however, don’t always come with symptoms, and in some cases, the child may not know until the dentist find it  

Tooth decay diagnosis and treatment in a child

Tooth decay is entirely preventable with timely diagnosis and treatment. If your child visits the dentist regularly, it can help considerably reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Here is how tooth decay diagnosis and treatment are made in a child –

• A child’s tooth decay diagnosis is made based on analyzing the child’s dental history.  

• The dentist will thoroughly examine the child’s mouth and then do dental x-rays to know the presence of cavities.  

• After diagnosis, the dentist will proceed with the treatment, depending on the child’s age, symptoms, and health.  

• The treatment will also depend on the severity of the problem

• In most cases, the dentist will use a filling to treat dental cavities where the decayed part is first removed and then replaced with a suitable filling material  

• Fillers are also called restorations, and they can be of two types, direct and indirect restorations.

• With direct restorations, your child will need a single visit where the dentist will place a filling directly into the damaged hole

• The fillers used in direct restorations may be made of resin, silver, acrylic acid, or glass powders, mostly resembling the tooth color.

• Indirect restorations are a bit complicated, and most require two or more visits to the dentist.

• Some of the procedures the dentist may use with indirect restorations include crowns, bridges, inlays, veneers, and on-lays

• The fillings with indirect restorations may be made of ceramics, composites, gold, or metal alloys, as they may also look like natural teeth.

Prevention of tooth decay in a child

Tooth decay is preventable, and parents can take some precautions to keep their children out of this risk. The prevention steps are easy, and anyone can follow them without any hassles-

Here are some steps recommended by a pediatric dentist in Woodbridge, VA, to prevent tooth decay in a child 

• Start brushing the teeth of your child as early as the first one emerges

• Brush the teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, and clean the tongue and gums daily.

• Use only a tiny amount of paste for kids below three years of age; you can use a pea-sized amount for those above.  

• Do floss the teeth of your child from the age of two

• Limit food intake and items high in sugar, such as candies, chocolates, cake, chips, etc.

• Never share eating utensils with the child; it can transfer the bacteria from your mouth to the child.

• You can put water in the bottle for the child when he/she goes to bed taking the bottle.

• Don’t let the child sleep with a bottle of juice, milk, or sugar. Else it can lead to tooth decay.  

• In case fluoride water is not available, consult the dentist about the use of a fluoride supplement.  

• You can ask the dentist about using dental sealants and fluoride varnish to put on teeth to minimize the risk of cavities.  

• Seek a dentist appointment for your child regularly.  

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