Children's Dentistry in Eastern Creek
Gentle, positive dental experiences that help children develop healthy smiles and lifelong good habits.
What is Tooth Decay in Children?
Tooth decay is the breakdown or destruction of tooth enamel, the hard outer surface of a tooth. Tooth decay can lead to cavities, also called dental caries. These are holes in the teeth. Cavities can get bigger with time if left untreated. A cavity can reach deep within a tooth, where the nerve endings are, leading to pain and sensitivity.
What causes tooth decay in a child?
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria and other things. It can happen when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are left on the teeth. Such foods include milk, soda, raisins, candy, cake, fruit juices, cereals, and bread. Bacteria that normally live in the mouth change these foods, making acids. The combination of bacteria, food, acid, and saliva form a substance called plaque that sticks to the teeth. Over time, the acids made by the bacteria eat away at the tooth enamel, causing cavities.
Which children are at risk for tooth decay?
All children have bacteria in their mouth. So all children are at risk for tooth decay. But the following may raise your child’s risk for it:
High levels of the bacteria that cause cavities
A diet high in sugars and starches
Water supply that has limited or no fluoride in it
Poor oral hygiene
Less saliva flow than normal
What are the symptoms of tooth decay in a child?
Tooth decay may be a bit different for each child. Here is a common way that teeth develop decay and cavities:
White spots begin to form on the teeth in areas affected. These spots mean that the enamel is starting to break down. They may lead to early sensitivity in the teeth.
An early cavity is seen on the tooth. It has a light brown color.
The cavity becomes deeper. It turns a darker shade of brown to black.
The symptoms of tooth decay and cavities vary from child to child. Cavities don’t always cause symptoms. Sometimes children don’t know they have a cavity until their dentist finds it. But your child may feel:
Pain in the area around the tooth
Sensitivity to certain foods, such as sweets and hot or cold drinks
What are the Key points to prevent tooth decay in children
We encourage parents to bring the kids as early as 12 months old to get a ride in the chair.
Children who have regular check-ups from a young age are more likely to have positive dental experiences and grow up without a fear of dentists.
Early examinations will also ensure that children won’t suffer from untreated dental decay and require more complex and difficult treatment.
Common preventive measures for children include fissure sealants, which are tooth coloured sealant fillings bonded into the grooves on children’s teeth to prevent decay.
Fluoride applications are another safe and effective way to safeguard children’s teeth and help to reverse and remineralise early decay.
Children's Dentistry FAQ
