Causes and Prevention of Tooth Decay in Children

Growing up our parents always told us not to drink sodas or eat too much candy because they would “rot” our teeth, and because they were our parents we believed them and passed the same information onto our kids.  Our parents weren’t completely wrong but there is definitely more to tooth decay in children than soda and candy.

Soda – Filled with sugar, caffeine and sometimes harsh chemicals, soda is never the best option when choosing a drink.  Most sodas contain phosphoric acid which erodes tooth enamel making the teeth more susceptible to future decay.  This erosion paired with a child’s poor brushing habits can mean that this acid sits on or in between the teeth for extended periods of time causing the enamel to erode, cavities to form, and eventually affecting the root if left untreated.  If soda is unavoidable, ask children to brush and or floss after drinking if possible; if not, have them rinse their mouths out with water to rinse away any lingering acid on the tooth surface.

Candy – Most candies do contain sugar, high fructose corn syrup and other ingredients that are not healthy for our bodies or our teeth.  With that being said, candy is not harmful to the teeth unless particles of the candy are left behind in between the teeth or in grooves in the teeth for an extended period of time.  Same remedy applies to ridding the mouth of necessary sugar after eating candy: brush or floss if possible, if not clear the mouth of left over particles and rinse with water.

It is never too early to start thinking about tooth decay for your children.  Infants and toddlers with new teeth emerging everyday are just as susceptible to decay and future cavities as older children.  Because most infants or toddlers use a bottle or a sippy cup to soothe them, they are often sent to bed with milk or juice to drink causing their teeth to be immersed in decay-causing liquids for a long period of time.  Although sippy cups are inevitable, they should be treated as a transitional step before learning to drink directly from a cup.  Wiping an infants teeth with a washcloth once a day or using infant approved toothpaste and brushing system will help decrease the amount of bacteria left on the teeth.

Dental Sealants are also a solution for older kids whose molars have erupted.  Properly applied, dental sealants create an impenetrable physical barrier for small food particles and cavity-causing bacteria, making them nearly 100 percent effective in preventing tooth surface decay and the resulting cavities. Unbroken, they last between five and ten years. And although most insurance companies only cover sealant procedures at a minimal level, more and more companies seem to be recognizing this technique’s value as a preventive measure that will help reduce future dental costs and more aggressive treatments. Learn more about Dental Sealants with Dr. Soileau.

Good habits start early so encourage your children to brush and floss regularly, and make sure to keep up with semi annual appointments and fluoride treatments to ensure that their smile will be as bright as ever.