Kids love candies and sweets, which is why cavities and tooth decay are pretty common in this age. If your kid eats a lot of junk food high in sugar, they can be at risk of tooth decay, carries, and cavity formation. So, let’s learn about the treatment of cavities in baby teeth in this health blog.
Tooth Decay in Children
You must have heard about tooth enamel which is the hard outer surface of teeth. According to the Better Health Channel, this enamel is much softer and thinner in baby or milk teeth and can be easily damaged. The breakdown or deterioration of tooth enamel is known as tooth decay.
Your child can be at risk of tooth decay if they eat the following foods every day:
- Cake
- Fruit juices
- Cereals
- Bread
- Milk
- Soda
- Raisins
- Candies
If your child is at risk of developing cavities it is best to visit a dentist to prevent permanent damage. You can consult with the Best Dentists in Lahore for as low as 400/- PKR via Marham.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay in Children
Some of the symptoms of tooth decay in children can be:
- White patches
- Early tooth sensitivity
- Light brown patches
- Black spots in teeth
- Pain in a particular part of the mouth
Formation of Cavities in Baby Teeth
All children have bacteria in their mouths that convert sugars left on the teeth into acids. Plaque is formed when bacteria, food, acid, and saliva combine to produce a material that adheres to the teeth. Bacterial acids chip away at tooth enamel over time, resulting in cavities.
Treatment of Cavities in Baby Teeth: 10 Ways
The treatment of tooth-related problems like tooth decay and cavities is usually determined by your child’s symptoms, age, the severity of the issue, and overall health. The treatment of cavities in baby teeth can be:
1. Teeth Fillings
When decay has advanced beyond the initial stage, fillings, also known as restorations, are the primary therapeutic option. Fillers are commonly formed of a variety of materials, including tooth-colored composite resins, porcelain, or dental amalgam. There are two types of fillings:
- Direct restorations: This procedure is done in only one visit to insert a filler straight into a prepared hole. The fillings are usually the color of your teeth. Silver, fine glass powders, acrylic acids, or resin may be used to make these fillings.
- Indirect restorations: These need two or more visits to the dentist. Inlays, Onlays, veneers, crowns, and bridges are examples of them. Many of these materials have the appearance of genuine tooth enamel.
2. Fluoride Treatment
The levels of fluoride in professional fluoride treatments are higher than those found in tap water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses. This treatment can be applied to teeth as a liquid, gel, foam, or varnish, or they can be placed in a bit of tray that fits over your teeth. A fluoride treatment may help rebuild your child’s tooth’s enamel and can occasionally reverse a cavity.
Also, read more about 5 Home Remedies For Pearly White Teeth!
3. Root Canals
Instead of removing a highly damaged or diseased tooth, a root canal can heal and preserve it. This procedure may be required if decay affects the interior substance of your tooth called the pulp. Your child’s dentist will remove the infected tooth pulp and remove any infection. Medication is occasionally inserted into the root canal, and the tooth pulp is then replaced with a filling.
4. Crowns
A crown is a custom-fitted covering that replaces your tooth’s whole natural crown. They can be composed of gold, high-strength porcelain, resin, porcelain bonded to metal, or a variety of other materials. It may be required if you have considerable decay or weaker teeth. To fit crowns, dentists remove all of the decaying region as well as enough of the remaining tooth to guarantee a proper fit.
5. Tooth Removal
If your child’s teeth get highly damaged and can no longer be repaired, they must be removed. When you get a tooth extracted, it might leave a gap that permits your other teeth to move.
Find out more about the Top 5 Dentists In Lahore You Should Know!
Home Remedies for Tooth Decay in Toddlers
If you notice that your child might have tooth decay or cavities, you can try the home remedies given below with the recommendation of a dentist:
6. Fluoride Toothpaste
After conducting a lot of research, scientists have found that fluoride toothpaste can effectively prevent cavities in children and adolescents. In order to prevent cavities and remineralize enamel, fluoride is crucial. Extensive research has shown that brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste on a daily basis helps to prevent cavities. Make sure your child brushes their teeth.
7. Vitamin D for Strong Teeth
Vitamin D is not only necessary if you want strong bones, but it is necessary to maintain healthy teeth as well. Calcium and phosphate from the diet cannot be absorbed without this vitamin.
Scientists have found that children who eat foods high in vitamin D and calcium, such as yogurt, have a lower risk of cavities. Dairy products and the sun are good sources of Vitamin D.
8. Replace Sugary Foods
If your child keeps eating food that is high in sugar, their teeth will become more damaged day by day. In this case, you can replace these sugar-filled snacks with healthy alternatives like nuts and fruits.
9. Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel has antibacterial properties that decrease germ accumulation in the mouth. It is why aloe vera tooth gel may aid in the battle against germs that cause cavities. The combination of aloe vera and tea tree oil is an excellent cavity disinfectant, with results equivalent to standard disinfectants such as chlorhexidine.
Also learn about the 4 Benefits Of Aloe Vera You Should Know!
10. Licorice Root
The antibacterial capabilities of licorice root can target S. mutants, the bacterium that causes cavities. It has been found that the antibacterial effects of licorice root extract are equivalent to chlorhexidine mouthwash and stronger than fluoride mouthwash. Many other researchers have also seen the antibacterial properties of licorice root for teeth quite helpful.
The Bottom Line
Tooth decay and cavities are pretty common in children aged 2 to 5 and can be easily prevented. Home remedies given above can lower the likelihood of cavities or reverse enamel damage in the pre-cavity stage. However, it is recommended to consult a dentist if your child has any of the symptoms of cavities.
Book an appointment now to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top Dentists in Lahore through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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FAQs
1. Do baby teeth with cavities need treatment?
Yes, baby teeth need treatment for cavities. The treatment is primarily fillings done by dentists.
2. What happens if you don’t fix cavities in baby teeth?
If you do not fix cavities in baby teeth, they can cause pain and swelling and can cause complete destruction of the tooth.
3. Are cavities in baby teeth common?
Yes, kids aged 2 to 5 are at high risk of cavity formation because of the increased intake of sugar and bacteria inside the mouth.
4. How do dentists treat cavities in children?
Cavities in children can be treated by fillings, fluoride treatments, crowning, and root canals.
