Children frequently experience dental issues related to cavities or tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when the enamel of the teeth is worn away, and it finally results in a hole or cavity in the tooth. Dental cavities are often called dental caries.
Cause of cavity :
Poor oral hygiene leads to dental cavity. Our mouth contains millions of bacteria. When the mouth is not brushed properly, bacteria in it work on the food particles stuck to the teeth and develop acids that lead to dental cavities. Foods with a high carbohydrate, sugar, or starch content are more likely to interact with bacteria and produce acids. This disease most commonly affects the upper front teeth. Insufficient water consumption and less saliva flow also contribute to tooth decay
- Initially a white spot appears on the affected area. It indicates that the enamel is beginning to tear down. An early cavity is light brown in colour and turns black as it spreads deeper.
- Tooth sensitivity may take place to certain foods such as hot or cold drinks.
- pain and swelling around the affected area, as well as avoiding food
The symptoms of cavities differ from child to child. Every tooth cavity may not show symptoms always. Sometimes, Children may be unaware of the cavity until their parents or dentist detects it.
In most cases, the affected area of the tooth is completely taken out and restored with a filling. The damaged tooth is repaired by stuffing it with a dental filling. There are two types of restorations; direct & indirect.
Direct restoration: direct restoration is a method of inserting the filling directly into a hole. It can be done by a single visit to the dentist. The fillings are taken out of acrylic acids, fine glass powders, resin or silver.
Indirect restoration: It may need more than one visit to the dentist. The treatment includes crowns, bridges, veneers, onlays, and inlays. These are made out of gold, base metal alloys, ceramics, or composites.
- Practice your child brushing teeth, tongue, and gums twice a day.
- Keep a well-balanced diet. Avoid or limit sticky and sugary foods such as chocolates, cakes, biscuits, chips, and so on.
- Don’t encourage the child to keep milk/juice bottle or pacifier in the mouth while sleeping.
- Do not allow your child to use your eating utensils, it can lead to the spreading of bacteria from your mouth to your child’s.
- Follow routine dental check-ups
Childhood cavities, both in baby teeth and permanent teeth are quite common. Lack of oral hygiene and a diet with sugary foodstuffs can increase your child’s risk of cavities. Following good oral hygiene and eating a balanced diet are the best ways to keep your child’s teeth healthy.