Rotten Teeth in a Child: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Tooth decay is often referred to as cavities, caries, holes, bad teeth, or rotten teeth. In fact, this is the most common issue among children. Rotten teeth in a child may occur for various reasons and can cause severe pain and discomfort. If that happens, you can check out Boutique Dental Care Chatswood’s latest offers to address this common dental problem. Luckily, getting regular dental visits can help prevent tooth decay and keep the smile healthy. Keep reading to learn more about dental caries, including how to treat and prevent tooth decay.
Children Tooth Decay
To have a healthy smile, you need to have good oral health. Poor dental hygiene can put you in danger of tooth decay, also called a cavity or a rotten tooth.
Early childhood caries happen because of a sticky substance called plaque that accumulates over the teeth. When the bacteria in plaque blend in with sugar in foods, it results in an acid that destroys the tooth. An untreated cavity can turn out to be loose and drop out.
Signs and Symptoms
Tooth decay in children is prevalent. If left untreated, the cavity can become more significant and, little by little, influence the deeper layers of the tooth. Other common indications of a rotten tooth include:
- toothache
- tooth sensitivity, particularly hot or cold foods, drinks, or temperature
- bad breath
- black, brown, or white spots on the tooth
- unpleasant taste in the mouth
- swelling
Generally, symptoms of tooth decay in children are similar to adults. However, it may likewise incorporate irritability, swollen gums, and a fever, which indicates an infection.
If your kid appears irritable and cannot tell the area of pain, visit this link and get it checked by a professional dentist.
Causes
Whether your child has baby teeth or adult teeth, tooth decay can happen for various reasons. In fact, holes in the teeth called cavities may occur because of a collection of potential causes and not only one cause.
Here are some common ways that teeth develop decay and cavities.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Regular brushing and flossing are essential to eliminate plaque and keep your mouth healthy. Bushing two times a day and daily flossing are the standard way to clean your mouth, teeth, and gums. In addition to this, visit a dentist at least twice a year for professional checkups and cleanings.
Poor Diet
Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates can encourage tooth rot since these foods stick to the teeth. Also, consuming many acidic beverages and having acid reflux disease can contribute to tooth decay. If you eat and drink too much of these and do not clean your teeth properly, you may encounter a faster breakdown of your tooth enamel, which is the external layer of your tooth.
Dry Mouth
Saliva helps wash away plaque and bacteria in your mouth. If you have less saliva flow, you are at high risk for tooth decay.
Fluoride Deficiency
Fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel, making it resistant to cavities. If you do not drink from your city’s water supply or use toothpaste with fluoride, there is a risk for tooth decay.
Baby Bottle
Tooth decay can likewise happen at an early age. This is especially true if young children fall asleep with a bottle of milk or formula in their mouth or if you put your child’s pacifier in honey or sugar. Both of these can make sugar collect around the teeth and lead to tooth decay.
How is Tooth Decay Diagnosed in Children?
The dentist can generally diagnose tooth decay based on:
- An assessment of your child’s mouth
- A complete history of your child
- Dental X-rays
How is Tooth Decay Treated?
Tooth decay treatment for children will rely upon age, symptoms, and general health. It will likewise depend on how severe the condition is. Go to this website to know more.
Generally, a dental procedure requires eliminating the decayed portion of the tooth and placing it with a filling to repair the damage caused by cavities. Dental fillings, also called restorations, are available in many different forms:
Direct restorations: Usually, these are tooth-colored fillings that only need a single dental appointment to place directly into a prepared hole. They can be made out of silver, acrylic acids, fine glass powders, or resin.
Indirect restorations: The material options used in this procedure, such as ceramics and composites, can look like natural tooth enamel. This treatment typically requires two or more visits.
In addition, if your child’s tooth decay is so severe, the dentist may suggest pulling out the tooth. This is often the last treatment option that the dentist may want to offer, especially for adult teeth.
How To Prevent Tooth Decay
You can always ask your dentist first about the best possible way to keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy. Nevertheless, you can help prevent tooth decay by doing the following simple steps.
- Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first one shows up
- Use a toothpaste designed for your baby and not adult toothpaste.
- Teach and watch them brush their teeth
- Floss your child’s teeth daily after age 2.
- Limit snacks and foods high in sugars such as cookies, candy, and cake.
- Make sure your child eats a well-balanced diet.
- Only put water in your child’s bottle during bedtime.
- Make regular dental visits for your child.
- Talk with your child’s dentist about using a fluoride supplement, especially if you live in an area where fluoridated water is not available. Likewise, get some information about dental sealants and fluoride varnish. Both can help strengthen and protect the teeth.
References:
Oral Health Tips.
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/tips.html
Dry Mouth: Home Treatment and Prevention.
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/sig258316
How fluoride firms up teeth.