How caries develops in children
A soft plaque constantly forms on the teeth, in which bacteria live. Receiving sugars from food and drinks, they release acids that wash away calcium and phosphates from the enamel. First, a chalky white spot appears - a reversible stage when the tooth can still be restored without bur. Then the enamel is destroyed, a cavity is formed, the process moves on to the dentin and reaches the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located. In young children, these stages replace each other quickly, and complaints appear late, so you cannot rely only on the child’s words.
- Chalky white spot - initial reversible stage
- Superficial caries within the enamel
- Average caries with damage to dentin
- Deep caries and risk of pulp inflammation
- Periodontitis and fistula with advanced process
Causes and risk factors
The main factor is the frequency of tooth contact with sugars, not the total amount. Constant snacking, sugary drinks and juices throughout the day are more dangerous than one serving of sweets after a meal, because the enamel does not have time to recover. A separate form is bottle caries, when a child falls asleep with a bottle of formula, milk or juice: the front teeth are destroyed especially quickly during the night. Insufficient hygiene, viscous food, fluoride deficiency, as well as the transmission of bacteria from adults when licking a spoon or pacifier are also significant. Heredity and the course of the mother's pregnancy influence.
- Frequent snacking and sugary drinks
- Night feedings and bottle sleep
- Insufficient tooth brushing
- No fluoride in toothpaste and water
- Transfer of bacteria from adults through spoons and pacifiers
- Hereditary characteristics of enamel
- Early eruption and crowding of teeth
Why do baby teeth need to be treated?
Under each milk tooth is the germ of a permanent tooth. Inflammation that reaches the root damages this rudiment, and the permanent tooth erupts with enamel defects or incorrectly. Early loss of a baby tooth disrupts the place in the dentition: neighboring teeth are displaced, and the permanent one does not have enough space - this is how crowding is formed, which later requires orthodontic treatment. Diseased teeth prevent a child from chewing, which affects nutrition and speech. Finally, the source of infection in the oral cavity is a source of problems for the entire body.
- Protection of the permanent tooth germ
- Preserving space in the dentition
- Normal chewing and feeding
- Correct speech formation
- Eliminating the source of chronic infection
- Prevention of pain and emergency visits
How are they treated today?
The method depends on the stage. The white spot is treated without boron - with remineralizing compounds, fluorides and preparations that strengthen the enamel. For a small cavity, filling is performed, often with minimal preparation; modern materials make it possible to do this quickly. If the caries is deep and has affected the pulp, it is treated according to children's protocols. Severely damaged teeth are restored with children's crowns, which is more reliable than a large filling. Removal is a last resort, and the dentist will suggest a space-holding structure. Treatment is carried out with anesthesia, and in case of severe fear or a large amount of work, sedation is discussed.
- Remineralization and fluoridation at the spot stage
- Filling for cavities in enamel and dentin
- Treatment of pulp with deep lesions
- Children's crowns with significant destruction
- Uninstall and save space as a last resort
- Pain relief and adaptation of the child to treatment
Prevention
Teeth brushing begins with the eruption of the first tooth, twice a day, with a paste containing fluoride in an age-appropriate amount. Until the age of 7–8, a child does not know how to brush properly, so an adult must brush his or her teeth afterward. It is important to eliminate sugary drinks between meals, avoid giving a bottle at night, and avoid licking the baby's spoon. A dental examination is needed once every 6 months, even if nothing bothers you. For permanent chewing teeth, fissure sealing is effective, and if the risk of caries is high, the doctor will prescribe professional fluoridation.
- Brushing your teeth twice a day from the first tooth
- Paste with fluoride in age dosage
- An adult brushes his teeth until he is 7–8 years old
- No bottles or sweet drinks at night
- Limit snacks and sugary drinks
- Dental examination every 6 months
- Fissure sealing of permanent teeth