Tooth decay in children can be a serious concern for parents. If not addressed early, it may lead to more severe issues such as tooth loss. That’s why taking early precautions against cavities is crucial for long-term dental health in children.
Frequent consumption of sugary foods and reluctance or forgetfulness when it comes to brushing teeth often lead to cavities in kids. For this reason, families should pay close attention to their children's oral hygiene and ensure regular dental checkups and cleanings.
So, what precautions can be taken to prevent cavities in children? How can baby teeth be protected? Before we answer these questions, let’s explore the causes of tooth decay in children.
What Causes Cavities in Children?
There are many reasons why cavities develop in children. Tooth decay is the result of acid erosion on the tooth enamel. The causes include:
- Excessive consumption of sugary and acidic foods
- Poor oral hygiene
- Neglecting baby teeth care
- Genetic factors
- Not brushing teeth
- Fluoride deficiency
- Bottle feeding throughout the night
- Thumb-sucking habits
- Pacifier use
How to Prevent Cavities in Children?
Baby teeth are the foundation of a child's oral structure and prepare the way for permanent teeth. That’s why protecting baby teeth is critically important for overall dental development. Regular dental checkups, gum care, and overall oral hygiene should be a priority.
Children’s eating habits play a big role in dental health. It's a known fact that sugary and starchy foods contribute to tooth decay. This is because bacteria in the mouth consume these foods and produce acid, which damages tooth enamel over time.
Parents shouldn’t assume baby teeth don’t matter because they will eventually fall out. Children need to be taught oral hygiene habits from a young age. Developing a tooth-brushing routine early on is essential for protecting baby teeth.
In addition to these two main precautions, dentists may also recommend fluoride treatments, space maintainers, or sealants as preventive measures.
1. Brushing Teeth
Brushing is the cornerstone of dental care — and it's just as vital for kids. As soon as the first teeth emerge, parents should begin brushing them with soft-bristled toothbrushes.
Instilling this habit can be challenging. Some children forget to brush, while others dislike it so much that they may even lie about doing it. In such cases, parents should supervise and ensure their child is brushing. Using toothbrushes and toothpaste designed for children can also help encourage them.
Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day. Brushing before bed is especially important to reduce overnight acid production from bacteria. Brushing should last 2 minutes using gentle circular motions across all tooth surfaces.
2. Fluoride Treatment
Dentists apply fluoride to strengthen the enamel layer on the surface of teeth. The procedure is simple and painless. After cleaning the teeth, a fluoride gel is applied directly to the enamel. The fluoride bonds with the enamel and reinforces it. It’s usually recommended every six months.
3. Space Maintainers
When baby teeth fall out or are extracted prematurely, a space maintainer may be used. This device holds the empty space until permanent teeth erupt. It prevents other teeth from shifting into the space. Space maintainers can be either fixed or removable.
Without them, misalignment in teeth or jaw may occur, leading to the need for orthodontic treatment later. This application helps prevent future issues like crowding, chewing difficulties, and speech problems.
4. Fissure Sealants
The grooves and pits on the surface of molars and premolars are known as fissures and pits. A sealant is a protective treatment applied to these chewing surfaces. These pits are filled with a plastic-based material that prevents bacteria from settling into them and causing decay.
The procedure is fast and painless. It’s typically applied to the first and second permanent molars around age 6. Sealants block bacteria from accessing these grooves, helping to prevent decay.
5. Preventing Bottle Cavities
Bottle cavities are common when infants or toddlers fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth. To prevent this, avoid letting babies sleep with bottles. Also, avoid adding sweeteners like sugar, honey, or molasses to formula or milk in bottles.
After feeding, babies should be given water to help rinse their mouth. Water helps clean the teeth and neutralise acids. As soon as baby teeth start erupting, they should be wiped clean with a sterile cloth — this prevents bottle cavities.
What Should a Children’s Toothbrush Be Like?
Choosing a toothbrush for children can be confusing for parents. It must be age-appropriate and suited to their stage of dental development. Different brushes are available for babies, preschoolers, and school-age children. Parents should select the most suitable one for their child.
Brush head size is also critical. Because of their smaller mouths, children need toothbrushes with small heads. This helps them reach their back teeth more easily.
Another important factor is the bristles. Since baby teeth are sensitive, extra-soft bristles should be used. Hard bristles can damage enamel and promote decay. The toothbrush handle should also be non-slip to prevent injury during brushing.
Design matters too. Some children are picky and may refuse to brush if they dislike the look of the brush. In such cases, opt for brushes with fun colours or characters from their favourite cartoons to encourage brushing.
By paying attention to these details, you can take the necessary steps to protect your child’s teeth and prevent cavities.
