Caries of primary teeth.
How to prevent tooth decay in children?
Childhood tooth decay is a serious problem that is often ignored by parents. It is characterized by a rapid, rapid progression of the disease process. It is an infectious disease that involves the demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to the formation of a cavity. It can appear even immediately after the first primary teeth appear!
Can baby teeth be treated?
Tooth decay is a disease! The circulating myth that baby teeth "don't hurt" and aren't worth treating because they'll "fall out anyway" often leads to parents bringing their child to the dentist for their first visit in pain! Currently, baby tooth decay affects every other three-year-old and as many as 85% of six-year-olds!
What are the consequences of not treating baby teeth?
In cases of advanced caries, we strive to secure as many cavities as possible in the shortest possible time. It's important to realize that untreated caries in primary teeth can cause pain and premature tooth loss, among other things. This, in turn, can lead to malocclusion and the development of abnormal speech habits. Therefore, it may be necessary to refer the child for speech therapy.
Poor articulation can lead to difficulties with communication and peer acceptance. At worst, it can impact a child's personality development, reducing their self-esteem. At best, it can increase the risk of developing tooth decay in permanent teeth.
So what should be done to avoid such situations?
Take care of proper oral hygiene:
- From the first tooth to the age of 3, we brush our teeth with a fluoride toothpaste with 1000 ppm, the amount of which is the size of a grain of rice, at least twice a day.
- From 3 to 6 years of age – 1000 ppm fluoride toothpaste, a grain of rice on the toothbrush, at least twice a day.
- From 6 years of age, 1450 ppm toothpaste, at least twice a day.
Let us remember that it is the parents who brush the teeth and/or control the quality of brushing their children, even up to 8 years of age.
Take your child to an introductory visit to a pediatric dentist in Lublin. This is the first visit to the dentist's chair, which should occur around the age of one. Its purpose is to familiarize the patient with the dental office. The dentist will provide all preventative care recommendations, dietary recommendations, and toothbrushing instruction. The best and most affordable approach, as in other areas of medicine, is preventative care. Remember that checkups with your child's dentist should occur every six months, and even every two months if there is a high risk of tooth decay.
There are many methods of treating primary teeth, from the simplest fillings and fissure sealants to the sometimes inevitable extraction of a primary tooth. As a dentist, I hope that parents' awareness of pediatric dentistry will continue to grow. I treat both children and adults, but working with children has taught me great patience, and it's when I receive a drawing from little Staś that brings a smile to my face.
Dentist Magdalena Pawlas
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
What is baby tooth decay?
Dental caries is an infectious disease that leads to the demineralization of enamel and the formation of cavities. It can develop very rapidly, even shortly after the first primary teeth appear.
Do baby teeth need to be treated?
Yes. Primary teeth shouldn't be ignored just because they will fall out over time. Untreated tooth decay can cause pain, infection, premature tooth loss, and bite development problems.
What are the consequences of untreated baby tooth decay?
Untreated tooth decay in primary teeth can lead to pain, premature tooth loss, malocclusion, poor oral habits, pronunciation problems, and a higher risk of tooth decay in permanent teeth.
When to start brushing your child's teeth?
A child's teeth should be brushed from the moment the first tooth appears. Regular oral hygiene from the very beginning helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and teaches the child good oral habits.
What toothpaste should I use for my child?
For children up to 6 years of age, a 1000 ppm fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, is recommended. From 6 years of age, a 1450 ppm fluoride toothpaste can be used. It's a good idea to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Until when should a parent supervise tooth brushing?
Parents should brush their children's teeth or monitor their brushing until they are around 8 years old. Children often don't have the precision to thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces yet.
When should the first visit to the dentist take place?
The first introductory visit to the dentist should take place around the age of one. Its purpose is to familiarize the child with the dental office and provide parents with recommendations regarding hygiene, diet, and preventive care.
How often should a child go to the dentist?
Dental checkups are usually recommended every 6 months. If you have a high risk of tooth decay, checkups may be needed more frequently, even every 2 months, as recommended by your doctor.
The information contained in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you consult a physician or other qualified healthcare professional for advice regarding specific symptoms, ailments, or health conditions.