Tooth decay in children is a common dental problem which occurs because of their love for sweet food and dislike for brushing teeth. Here is some information that will help parents determine the causes, treatment and prevention of tooth decay.

Causes

• Overconsumption of sweet foods like candies, chocolates, cakes, cookies, etc.
• Overconsumption of caffeinated drinks.
• Bits of food left on the teeth (the germs “plaque” can turn those small pieces into acid which destroys the tooth enamel resulting in tooth decay).
• Chipped and cracked teeth due to a mouth injury.
• Poor oral hygiene (not brushing teeth frequently and properly).

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom associated with tooth decay is bad breath. Toddlers will experience a change in their mouth odor when teeth are decaying. Other symptoms include – toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks, brown patches on the infected area, discharge of blood and pus from the infected teeth and tooth discoloration.

Treatment

Bring Your Toddler To The Dentist

Experts agree that children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. The treatment will vary depending on the severity of the tooth decay. The dentist may perform dental x-rays to examine the extent of the tooth decay of the child. The dentist will clean the toddler’s mouth, eliminate plaque and tartar or fill the cavities with a “filling” (a substance used to replace a decayed portion of the tooth) to keep germs away. In severe cases, the dentist may perform tooth extraction.

Receiving Fluoride Treatments

Brushing and flossing the teeth with baking soda or fluoride toothpaste can help clear the plaque present in the teeth. Children above 6 years old may use fluoride mouthwash. Getting fluoride treatments may also help stop tooth decay.

Prevention

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Teach your toddler to practice good oral hygiene by encouraging your little one to brush his teeth after meals and to regularly floss. If you have a hard time getting him to brush his teeth, turn tooth brushing into a game by taking turns brushing each other’s teeth or singing a song. Make sure to check his work to ensure he did a good job brushing his teeth.

Limit Sugar Intake

Giving your toddler too many sweet and sugary foods lead to faster tooth decay. Offer sweets and sugars occasionally. Substitute them with fruits, vegetables, yogurt, wheat bread and other foods that are yummy, healthy and good for the teeth and gums.

Have A Balanced Diet

Modify your toddler’s diet. Serve him foods such as dairy products like cheese, milk, cereals, eggs, bread, dark, green leafy vegetables, rice, fish, meat and poultry which contain high amounts of vitamins A, C and D, calcium and phosphorus - important nutrients that will help fight prevent gum disease.

Give Your Toddler Plenty of Water

The more water your toddler drinks, the better the saliva production in the mouth. Let your toddler drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to help wash away the sugars left on the teeth after eating. Water with fluoride will also help protect your toddler’s teeth from acid production. Never substitute water for juice. Juice has a high sugar content which can increase tooth decay.

Make Dentist Visits Frequent

As soon as your toddler’s first several teeth have sprouted, take him to the dentist on a regular basis (once or twice a year). This way, the dentist will be able to keep your toddler’s teeth in excellent condition as well as give you advice about proper dental care.

Tooth decay in children is preventable. You may actually avert it by helping your toddler practice good dental care and tooth-friendly eating and drinking.