Tooth decay is a common problem that affects people of all ages. For children, it can be especially concerning as their teeth are still developing. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. That’s why it’s essential to understand how decay develops and how to prevent it from progressing. At Smiles for Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages, including preventive care and treatment for tooth decay.
Recognizing the stages of tooth decay
Tooth decay is a process that occurs over time, and it’s important to catch it early before it progresses. If you notice signs of tooth decay in your child, such as persistent bad breath, dark spots on their teeth, or sensitivity to hot and cold, it’s time to reach out to a dentist.
Stage 1: Enamel demineralization
The first stage of tooth decay is when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack the enamel, causing it to weaken and lose minerals. The result is a small white spot on the surface of the tooth where minerals have been lost.
Stage 2: Enamel lesion formation
If caught early, tooth decay can be reversed at this stage through proper dental hygiene and fluoride treatments. If left untreated, the enamel will continue to break down, forming a cavity or hole in the tooth.
Stage 3: Dentin decay
Dentin is a layer of material that lies immediately underneath the enamel of the tooth. Once the enamel is penetrated, the decay will start to spread into the dentin layer of the tooth. At this point, you may experience sensitivity or pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.
Stage 4: Pulp infection
If tooth decay continues, it can eventually reach the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. This can lead to severe pain and infection that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Establishing good oral hygiene early
The good news is that tooth decay is preventable at any stage. While the early stages may be reversible with at-home care, more advanced decay will require treatment. One of the best ways for you as a parent to prevent tooth decay from spreading in your child’s mouth is to establish good oral hygiene habits from an early age. This includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and limiting sugary foods and drinks.
The American Dental Association also recommends regular dental check-ups every six months to catch and treat tooth decay early. Their specific recommendations are to “schedule the child’s first dental visit before age one” and to “begin brushing twice daily with no more than a smear (rice-sized amount) of fluoride toothpaste for children younger than three years old and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children three to six years old.”1
Understanding the causes of tooth decay
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel. This happens when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from food and drinks and produce acids that attack the teeth. Over time, these acids can weaken and erode the enamel, leading to cavities.
For children, tooth decay can be caused by several factors, such as poor brushing and flossing habits, a diet high in sugars and carbohydrates, and a lack of fluoride. Children with certain medical conditions or who take certain medications may also be at a higher risk for tooth decay.
Treatment options at Smiles for Kids Dentistry
If your child has developed a cavity or other signs of tooth decay, it’s time to visit a dentist. At Smiles for Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics, we can perform a thorough examination and recommend the best course of treatment, which may include:
- Dental fillings to repair small cavities
- Root canal therapy for more severe decay that has reached the pulp
- Extraction of severely damaged teeth
We also offer preventive treatments such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help protect your child’s teeth against decay.
Our dentist’s recommendations
When it comes to treating tooth decay, our dentist suggests the following approaches based on the severity of the decay to ensure your child maintains a healthy, pain-free smile:
- For early-stage decay: Regular fluoride treatments and maintaining good oral hygiene practices at home can help remineralize the enamel and reverse early signs of decay.
- For minor cavities: Dental fillings are recommended to repair small cavities.
- For advanced decay: If the decay has progressed, special treatment such as root canal therapy may be necessary to save the tooth and alleviate pain.
- For severe cases: In instances where the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved, extraction may be required. Our dentist will discuss options for space maintainers or future restorations to ensure proper dental development.
Don’t wait until tooth decay becomes a bigger problem. Schedule an appointment at Smiles for Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics today.