2. Tooth decay is the localized breakdown or destruction, of tooth enamel by
microorganisms especially bacteria. Enamel is the hard outer surface of a
tooth.
Tooth decay can lead to cavities (caries).
These are holes in the teeth.
Definition
3. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria and other things. It can happen when foods containing
carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are left on the teeth.
Such foods include milk, soda, ice creams, cakes, fruit juices, cereals, and bread.
Bacteria that normally live in the mouth change these foods, making acids.
The food, acid, and saliva form a substance called plaque that sticks to the teeth.
With time the acids made by the bacteria eat away at the tooth enamel, causing cavities.
Low salivary flow rate and reduced buffering
Parental history of active and untreated caries particularly in the mother
Causes of Tooth Decay in Children
4. A diet high in sugars and starches
Water supply that has limited or no fluoride in it
Poor oral hygiene
Less saliva flow than normal
Presence of developmental defects of the enamel
Socioeconomic status
Risk Factors to Tooth Decay in
Children
5. Pain in the area around the tooth
Sensitivity to certain foods, such as sweets and hot or cold drinks
White spots begin to form on the teeth in areas affected. These
spots mean that the enamel is starting to break down.
An early cavity appears on the tooth. It has a light brown color
The cavity becomes deeper. It turns a darker shade of brown to
black.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay Child
6. A dental clinician can diagnose tooth decay basing on:
Taking full history of your child
Oral examination of the child
Dental radiography (x rays)
Detection or diagnosis of tooth decay in children
7. Treatment depends on symptoms of child, general health, age and also the
severity of the condition
Mostly, treatment is removal and replacement of decayed part of the tooth. This is
done by use of sealants( fillings)
Sealants(Fillings) are materials that are placed in damaged teeth due to tooth
decay during treatment. These materials can also be called restorations.
Management/treatment of tooth decay in children
8. They are of two types; direct and indirect restorations.
Direct restorations are materials that require a single visit to place a filling
directly into a hole or small cavity. They are made of silver and fine glass
powders and are tooth colored.
Indirect restorations require more than two visits and include inlays,
onlays, veneers, crowns and bridges
Management continued
9. Avoid sharing eating utensils to prevent bacteria from your mouth
tochild
Use fillings and fluoride varnish or topical application fluorides in
form of tooth pastes and gels.
Carry out flossing after the age of 2 to 3 years.
Make sure your child eats a well-balanced diet. Limit snacks highly rich in
sugars, such as chips, cookies, and cakes
Inquire from the dentist about fluoride supplement when there is lack of
fluoridated water.
Prevention of Tooth decay in Children
10. Routine/regular dental cleanings and check ups for the child
Do not put juices or other sweet drinks in your child’s bottle because they contain
sugars which can lead to tooth decay
Start brushing child’s teeth when signs appear with a fluoride
containing tooth paste and supervise your child as he or she brushes
teeth.
Children at the age of three years can use a pea-sized tooth paste amount while
those children less than three years the amount of tooth paste equal to the size of
the grain of rice.
Prevention of Tooth decay in Children
