Believe it or not, dental caries is the most common childhood disease. This is the disease that causes cavities (which are basically holes) to form in teeth. Luckily, it is preventable with proper oral hygiene and some help from the parents (that means you!)
- Caries are caused by various types of bacteria (mainly Streptococcus Mutans) which live right on the tooth structure. This bacteria secretes acid after eating and digesting carbohydrates (e.g. sugar). The acid then slowly destroys tooth structure (forming a cavity in the tooth). As if this weren't bad enough, plaque (the white stuff you feel on your teeth when you get up in the morning) helps the acid stay close to the teeth, instead of getting washed out by saliva.
- Cavities may be within enamel, they may penetrate through to the dentin, or they can extend all the way to the pulp of the tooth. Refer to the post here regarding the structure of teeth.
- There are various treatments for different types of cavities. However, the best policy is always prevention.
- One rather disturbing phenomenon that occurs in some children is referred to Early Childhood Caries. This used to be referred to Baby Bottle Caries because the cavities, which form on the anterior (incisors and canines) upper teeth are a result of the child being put to sleep with a bottle (usually of milk or juice, which both contain sugar) in their mouth.
5 comments:
Tried Professional whitening formula from Pro White that whitens teeth without any discomfort or hypersensitivity. It's nice.
Nelson : The toothpaste would work for children. However, I recommend keeping it as simple as possible. I prefer to give my pediatric patients toothpaste which will protect their teeth for a longer time (such as Colgate Total.) Whitening is not something I recommend for most children unless they have an inherent condition making their teeth a very abnormal color and causing social/psychological issues.
Thank you dear blogger for this article. I was wondering though if like adults children can have Composite Fillings? As what I've read it takes away that worn out teeth as well as that plaques.
Yes, children can have Composite Fillings placed. However, the fillings themselves do not remove plaque. Plaque is constantly being formed on the teeth which is why good oral hygiene is important.
I was wondering though if like adults children can have Composite Fillings? As what I've read it takes away that worn out teeth as well as that plaques.
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