Tooth decay in young children
introduction
The life and learning phase of humans up to the age of six is called toddler. During this time, the little ones discover the many different things in the world, learn to speak and social role behavior begins to develop.
But there are also many external development steps taking place. In addition to growing, they learn to walk, their motor skills are refined and the milk teeth also erupt. Like the later permanent teeth, these need to be cared for well and sufficiently in order to keep them until the permanent teeth erupt naturally. Unfortunately, they are not protected against tooth decay either and can be attacked by it.
What is tooth decay?
The basis for the development of tooth decay is Plaque. Plaque is understood to be on the teeth adherent, sticky coverings. They arise as soon as you eat food. Leftover food remains on the teeth and forms the perfect one Breeding ground for bacteria. The plaque will establish itself after just 24-36 hours if it is not removed. The plaque consists of living and dead microorganisms and their Excretions. Certain areas of the tooth are particularly susceptible to plaque because they are difficult to reach and have uneven surfaces. One is one of them Fissures, Interdental spaces and Gum margins.
But how does tooth decay develop on milk teeth? The plaque contains streptococcal strains, among other things, which convert the carbohydrates, i.e. sugar, from food. This creates lactic acid, which begins to attack and destroy the hard tooth structure, starting with the enamel. The first holes appear. The longer you leave the tooth decay untreated, the more it works its way through the tooth and decomposes more and more healthy substance until it eventually reaches the pulp and spreads there, so that the tooth can die.
Read more on the topic:
- Causes of tooth decay
- How does tooth decay develop?
root cause
As in adults, the cause of the development of caries is usually poor oral hygiene. If the teeth are not brushed regularly and thoroughly, the plaque remains on the teeth, the bacteria form their acid and the tooth is attacked. However, if the plaque is removed, the bacteria have no breeding ground and cannot attack the tooth. In order for the tooth decay to spread, there must be five factors. These are the bacteria, a host (in this case the tooth), the plaque, enough carbohydrates for food and time.
All factors, except for the host factor, can be eliminated at the same time with good oral hygiene. Another cause that promotes tooth decay is a diet that is very high in sugar and acid. The more sugar there is in the food, the easier it is for tooth decay to get its nutrients. Particularly with children, it is important to pay attention to a healthy diet in order not only to protect the teeth, but also to provide the child with enough vitamins and nutrients to enable healthy development.
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In addition to the main factors mentioned, there are also secondary factors. The position of the teeth and tooth malformations are among the secondary factors that promote the development of caries. In addition, the flow of saliva and its composition also contribute to the formation of caries. It has been proven that people who suffer from reduced salivation have an increased risk of tooth decay. The saliva fulfills an important buffer function in order to keep the mouth pH neutral. What should not be forgotten in this context is the genetic component. Some children naturally suffer from tooth decay more than others. Unfortunately, this factor cannot be influenced.
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Caries peculiarity in young children
Tooth decay in young children is relatively common. Almost every second to third child already has carious lesions or fillings. If the deciduous teeth of the small children are affected by caries, there is an increased probability that the permanent teeth will also be affected by it. Caries on milk teeth should not be neglected, as they can have a general effect on the child's organism as they progress.
If the tooth decay is already very advanced, it can develop Abscesses form and also fever can occur as a side effect. Not to be neglected, of course, are the unpleasant pain. As first milk teeth break the upper front teeth which are usually the first to be affected by tooth decay. But not only their early appearance, but also their position predestine them for tooth decay.
When the child drinks or eats, food or sugary liquids wash them directly around them. There is also a little less saliva on the front teeth. Children must therefore be encouraged to brush their teeth regularly, as they themselves do not yet understand the effects.
They also depend on what food they get, so the parents can have a great influence on how sugary the child eats. The way in which food is consumed is important, because it takes place especially in the first few years via bottles that the child sucks on or drinking cups. Often sweetened teas with sugar or honey, fruit juices or spritzers are given to the children. These are the ones that the child likes best. The drinking takes place permanently throughout the day and also at night.
Care should be taken to leave out the sugar as much as possible and to use unsweetened, home-brewed tea. It should also be mentioned that tooth decay occurs with Milk teeth can spread much faster as its Enamel layer one lower mineral content having. Also is the enamel layer much thinner, but the outflows of the pulp towards the oral cavity are much larger, so that the caries faster than those in the pulp Dental nerve can reach.
Importance of milk teeth
The importance of milk teeth is underestimated by many people, as they will fall out again and new teeth will appear. But this is not correct, because already the The condition of the milk teeth is important for the condition of the later teeth. If a deciduous set of teeth has already been severely damaged and is constantly affected by tooth decay, the risk also increases that the permanent set of teeth will increasingly have to fight tooth decay. The milk teeth phase is also a time when parents should teach children how important it is to brush their teeth regularly and why.
The milk teeth are not only important for chopping up food, but also for ensuring that the permanent teethwhose attachment already exists in the jaw, protected and through the position of the milk teeth they will find their own position later. You can call it a kind placeholder look at. If milk teeth fall out very early, due to tooth decay or a fall, the gap must be adequately closed, otherwise it will close Misaligned teeth and problems can arise throughout the chewing system. Since they are also important for the Language education it is important to ensure that they are preserved so that you can have brilliant teeth and clear pronunciation throughout your life.
Tooth decay treatment
It is not always easy to recognize tooth decay in yourself or in your children as it is common simple discoloration misunderstood can be. However, you should check the child's daily dental care and even if they are already brushing their teeth on their own, take a look into the oral cavity from time to time, as children do not notice changes themselves and only express themselves when they are already causing pain. As a rule, the check-up appointments with the dentist should be kept, because only he can take a professional look into the oral cavity and diagnose tooth decay at an early stage.
In any case, an appointment at the dentist is the safe way to confirm or rule out the suspicion of possible caries. A tooth decay should always be treated. The dentist will initiate the necessary treatment steps in the event of caries. Great caution is required, especially with children, as they are often anxious and the treatment at the dentist is perceived as very uncomfortable. The caries is removed and then with a filling Mistake. To prevent possible pain, a Local anesthetic are used.
How can you recognize tooth decay yourself?
Even if the deciduous teeth differ in their color and shape from the permanent teeth, the tooth decay looks the same as in adults. Black point-like spots on the teeth are the first signs. If nothing is done, more and more tooth substance will be broken down by the bacteria. The tooth shape also changes over time.
Sometimes even the entire tooth crown is no longer preserved. The broken down tooth substance is then soft. The bacterial decomposition of the hard tooth substance and the food residues in the mouth often lead to a putrid, sweetish bad breath.
Caries has to be differentiated from simple discoloration. These appear as brownish stains on the tooth enamel, which can sometimes be removed by brushing. In more stubborn cases, a professional teeth cleaning can help to make the teeth appear brilliant white again.
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How can you stop tooth decay in toddlers?
Even in toddler age, a Caries removed and the place with a filling be provided. This stops the caries and treats any damage that has already occurred. Further provision can be made by a regular fluoridation of the teeth. The fluoride strengthens the teeth and makes them less vulnerable to bacteria. Many doctors recommend fluoride tablets for this in childhood.
Adequate oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist and a balanced diet are the basis for a healthy child's mouth. However, treatment is sometimes much more difficult than it is for adults. This is because the little ones are very excited, do not want to open their mouths, or quickly start crying, which makes the job very difficult.
Caries on the incisor
Especially with small children it happens very often that the entire upper milk incisors are affected by caries. This phenomenon is called ECC (Early Childhood Caries) or “nursing bottle syndrome” (bottle caries). It occurs when drinks containing sugar and sweetened teas are administered very often or especially at night via the drinking bottle. The risk of tooth decay is so high there because the fluids take a long time to act. So the bacteria can work very well. The lower teeth are protected by the tongue and are therefore often still in good condition.
Caries on the molar
Tooth decay develops on the molars, especially if the teeth are not brushed well or long enough. Often, cleaning the posterior area is also very difficult because the little ones do not want to open their mouth wide or long enough. They quickly start moaning. Forms of early childhood tooth decay should be treated urgently so that the milk teeth are preserved for a long time. If they fail early, you can Mineralization disorders arise in the permanent teeth.
Tooth decay and breastfeeding
The development of tooth decay during breastfeeding is a controversial issue. Dentists believe that the sugar in breast milk promotes tooth decay. This warns against frequent breastfeeding after the teeth have erupted. Especially in the evening after brushing your teeth you should no longer breastfeed, as the saliva is produced less during the sleep phase and thus there is a reduced buffer function.
However, other research has concluded that breastfeeding has neither a positive nor a negative impact on dental health. They assume that sucking on feeding bottles with sugary drinks is responsible for the early onset of caries, and not breast milk. It is assumed that the swallowing process is different when breastfeeding and that the nipple extends much further into the mouth, so that the teeth, in contrast to sucking, are not permanently washed with breast milk.
Prophylaxis / prevention
As mentioned above, it is very important that the children brush their teeth regularly. This should be taught and checked by the parents, since, especially in the evening, the children like to neglect brushing their teeth. You should set a good example and show the children that you brush your teeth regularly. A common toothbrushing ritual can be a good idea.
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In general, it is helpful to teach how to brush your teeth in a playful way. A toothbrushing song, a hand puppet that explains how to brush your teeth, or reading toothbrushing books together make learning about dental care easier. Regular check-ups by the dentist are also important, as they can assess the dentition and point out mistakes. This is the only way to detect and treat tooth decay at an early stage. A possible sealing of the teeth can be a possibility. Another important point is diet, which is controlled by parents. It should be healthy, varied and not contain large amounts of sugar or acid in order to protect the teeth and support healthy development.
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Tooth decay despite brushing your teeth
If tooth decay occurs in young children despite regular tooth brushing, this is usually due to the fact that bacteria are still in the oral cavity. It occurs when not cleaned properly and plaque is still present in some places. But even if the children's teeth are not brushed often enough or the bacteria have a long exposure time, tooth decay develops quickly. Therefore you should brush your teeth about half an hour after each meal and avoid sugary snacks or drinks.
