In the Know for You to Know

Do you think children are too young to have cavities (aka tooth decay)?

Most parents say that their children are too young for cavities. Unfortunately this isn’t the case.

What do the numbers say? According to the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 46% of children age 2-19 years old have at least 1 decayed tooth. The numbers are equally high according to the National Institute of Dental and Cranio-facial Research.

Tooth decay is a significant dental problem affecting children. It’s often called the most common chronic disease of childhood.

How many children do you know who have asthma? How many children do you know who have cavities?

With this in mind, now is a great time for us to discuss tooth decay in children.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the breakdown of tooth enamel. Enamel is a tooth’s hard outer protective layer. Damaged enamel can lead to cavities.

What Causes Tooth Decay In Children?

When food, beverages, bacteria and saliva all mix in the mouth they create a sticky substance called plaque. It’s plaque that sticks to the teeth.

This plaque coats all parts of the teeth. When left on the teeth plaque will eat away at the tooth’s enamel, dissolving it and causing cavities.

Beverages like juice, soda and sports drinks are especially harmful since they bring out the acidic (bad) bacteria.

When children eat, snack and drink their sugary drinks throughout the whole day, the plaque builds up. Combine this with poor dental hygiene and you have a recipe for cavities.

Main Causes Of Tooth Decay In Children

Some of the main causes are:

• Milk or juice in the bottle at bedtime or sleeping with the bottle
• Cookies
• Candies
• Raisins, any Dried Fruit
• White Bread
• Cereal
• Cake
• Chocolate Milk, any Flavored Milk
• Sweet Specialty Coffees
• Fruit Juice, even 100% Juice
• Soda

Why Are Children At Risk For Tooth Decay?

Everyone, even children have good and bad bacteria in their mouth. Some have more good bacteria, and some have more bad bacteria.

The proportions of these bacteria are totally individual and can vary even within a family.

When foods containing sugars and starches are left on the teeth the bacteria that normally live in the mouth change these foods by making acids. Over time, the acids made by the bacteria eat away at the tooth enamel, causing cavities.

There are some things that may raise your child’s risk for developing tooth decay:

• High levels of the bad bacteria
• A diet high in sugars and starches
• Drinking water that has low or no fluoride
• Poor oral hygiene, rushed or missed tooth brushing routines
• Decrease in saliva

What Are The Signs Of Tooth Decay?

Some early signs of tooth decay for you to be on the look out for:

• White spots that weren’t there before. These spots mean that the enamel is starting to break down
• Tooth sensitivity to sweets as well as hot or cold beverages
• Light brown or dark brown color on the tooth
• Pain in the area around the tooth

What To Remember

Tooth decay in children starts quietly and slowly. It’s the perfect storm of everyday habits. Decay begins with the gradual chalky erosion of tooth enamel until one day a full fledged cavity appears.

Do you think that baby teeth can get cavities that matter? Are you worried about your child getting cavities? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!