Cavities in Children and How To Prevent Them

Knowing cavities

To know how cavities occur in a child’s tooth, let’s first get to know about the tooth itself. The tooth has three layers. The surface of it is the hardest part of the tooth, called the ‘enamel’. Beneath the enamel is a much softer layer, which is called the ‘dentin’. Beneath the dentin is the innermost layer of the tooth, which is called the ‘pulp’. The pulp harbors nerve tissues in the tooth, which are responsible for transferring distress signals such as sensitivity and pain.

Cavities first form on the outermost layer of the tooth- the enamel. When plaque (the sticky substance on the teeth) is left uncleaned from the surface, the bacteria in the plaque react with sugar to release acids that erode and wear out the enamel. This is the stage when the experience might not be very painful but it calls for urgent treatment.

Once the acids get to the dentin, it doesn’t take long to penetrate the soft layer completely to reach the pulp of the tooth. This can lead to a condition called ‘pulpitis’ and calls for a root canal treatment. These stages are mostly associated with a lot of toothaches.

However, cavities are absolutely preventable and yet, is largely prevalent among children. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP),

“Although dental caries are largely preventable, they remain the most common chronic disease of children aged 6 to 11 years and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. Tooth decay is four times more common than asthma among adolescents aged 14 to 17 years.”

To put an end to this widespread dental disease in children across the world, let’s take a look at some simple steps to prevent cavities in the first place.

How to prevent cavities in children?

Cavities in children can be prevented by following these 5 simple tips:

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  • Maintain good oral hygiene in your child. Ensure brushing and flossing twice a day.
  
  
  • Check on their diet and keep them away from too much sugar and starch intake.
  
  
  • Get dental sealants for your kids to seal the pits of the back teeth.
  
  
  • Use fluoride toothpaste for your child to keep their enamels strong.
  
  
  • Visit a pediatric dentist at least twice a year.
  
  
  
  

To get the best assurance for your child’s oral health, choose the best pediatric dentist in the first place! Click here to get the best pediatric dentist near you in Tinley Park for preventive dental care.