Caution, Care for Cavities in Children

Health Guides
Caution, Care for Cavities in Children
Dental Care

Children’s refreshing smile can warm up the hearts of even complete strangers. But sometimes it is not so. Unfortunately, dental health trends among young children are both worsening and worrisome.

According to paediatric dentistry experts, the increase in cavities among young children is a warning sign of a new wave of increased tooth decay. This is more alarming because early tooth decay is a predictor of future tooth decay.

Risk Factors

Tooth decay patterns are not the same in every child. There are certain risk factors that increase the chances of developing cavities. These include:

• Baby bottle decay. This is caused by excessive exposure to liquids containing sugars such as milk and fruit juices. This happens especially if the baby is allowed to sleep or walk around all day with a cup or bottle of these liquids.

• Heredity is also a risk factor. For instance, if one or both parents have a lot of cavities, the chances for the baby to experience similar problems are high.

• Kids with special health care needs are at a higher risk of tooth decay.

• Later order offspring are more prone to develop tooth cavities.

• Children from families of low socio-economic status are also considered to be at high risk for cavities.

• Children of both working parents are more likely to develop tooth cavities.

• Eating sugary, starchy or sticky foods that feed the germs increases the chances of cavities. • Improper diet and bad oral hygiene also add to the risks of dental problems.

Prevent it!

Early dental care can prevent cavities. To promote healthy teeth in your child, you have to start a dental care regime from the time your child’s first tooth erupts. You can avoid most dental problems by following these dos and don’ts:

• You should clean an infant’s teeth with a soft, clean cloth.

• Avoid putting the baby to bed with a milk or juice bottle.

• Check your child’s teeth regularly for spots or stains.

• Use fluoride toothpaste for your child’s teeth.

• Provide a nutritious and balanced diet.

• Limit sweet snacks and drinks.

• Provide low-fat milk and dairy products high in calcium.

• Schedule regular dental check-ups.

• Forming good habits at a young age can help your child have healthy teeth for life.

When to see a doctor?

If your child is at a high risk of developing dental cavities (as per the above list) or has any other problem such as staining of teeth, crowding or abnormal tooth development, then you should consult a dentist. You should also see a dentist if your child has habits such as thumb sucking or using a pacifier as a toddler or grinding teeth at night (bruxism).

Proper dental care can ensure cavity free kids.