Children and Dental Diseases

 Children can suffer from several major dental diseases, such as caries. Caries is caused by tooth decay, which happens when bacteria in the mouth mix with the sugar from food and create acid that is strong enough to damage the enamel of the teeth.

The most important dental disease for children is caries.

Cause of caries

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the oral plaque reacts with the sugars in food stains to produce acids, which are concentrated enough to damage the tooth's surface, causing tooth decay. tooth surface Saliva is slightly alkaline which acts as a buffer for the pH balance. always in the mouth But if the condition of the mouth is not clean There are a lot of food scraps in the nooks and crannies. Saliva will turn acidic. due to bacteria STREPTOCUCCUS MUTANS produces enzymes Very digestible sugar sucrose (sucrose) acid in the mouth. In the meantime, if there is an acid reaction. A large amount that the acidity level - alkaline. in the mouth is lower than 4.5, the surface of the teeth will be destroyed by acid It reacts with calcium in the tooth surface and dentin to dissolve calcium and phosphate. The surface of the teeth will erode and become soft and flaky, resulting in cavities. If left untreated, it will enlarge. and deep down near the nerve cavity which will cause sensitivity or toothache followed

Stages of progression of children's dental disease and its treatment

1. Early tooth decay is the formation of tiny holes or pores in the enamel layer of the tooth. These holes can be visible as brown or black spots on the tooth surface and there is usually no pain or sensitivity associated with this stage of decay. Treatment for early tooth decay typically involves either a sealant or a filling.
2. At the most severe stage of tooth decay, the dentin layer has been penetrated, causing sensitivity especially when drinking cold water. Treatment at this stage may involve fillings, which may require an anesthetic to prevent discomfort. In more complicated cases, further methods may be required.
3. If tooth decay has reached deep into the nerve cavity, a toothache is likely to follow and require treatment. In a procedure known as pulpotomy, the dentist will cut off the infected upper nerve and place medicine to preserve the remaining nerves. Afterwards, a filling is made to fill the cavity. However, if the decay is too severe for a filling, a metal crown may be placed instead. This crown will be replaced as the baby teeth age and permanent teeth come in.
4. When there is purulent inflammation around the root of the tooth, the symptoms are much more severe than the earlier stages. Extreme pain and discomfort is present, and in some cases, the individual may experience difficulty opening their mouth, swelling of the face, drooping of the chin, and even closure of the eyes. Treatment often involves root canals and crowns, however in more severe cases, it may be necessary to extract the teeth and place an anti-falling device to maintain the space for future permanent teeth.

Prevention

• Brush your teeth properly with fluoride toothpaste after every meal to prevent food stains from remaining in the mouth for an extended period.
• Have a dental check-up with a dentist every 6 months, and
• Ask for sealant for molars with deep fissures, as they are more likely to collect food scraps and be difficult to clean, causing tooth decay.
• Choose foods that are beneficial to children, such as meat, milk, eggs, vegetables, fruits, while avoiding sweet and sticky foods.

Best wishes from

                    Dental Center, Vibhavadi Hospital