As a parent, one thing you should know is that your child is not too young to visit a dental office in union city, as your child's teeth are at risk long before you give he or she a piece of candy. Research shows that about a quarter of children in America have developed dental decay by the time they start school. By the age of 4, more than 1 in every 4 children has at least one cavity. A research by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research shows that 42% of children who are ages 2 to 11 develop a cavity in their baby teeth. Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria in the mouth break down sugar and produce acid that attacks the teeth.
The best way to help your child avoid this is to help them avoid sugary foods and drinks, monitor them while brushing to ensure that they have healthy teeth. But note that some kids teeth are inherently weak and even with all this routine they can decay easily. This is because some children do get cavities much earlier, and this is why scheduling a dentist in union city visit to discuss your child dietary practices prevention practices, and other recommendations to help keep their teeth in good shape is very important.
Just as we stated earlier on, bacteria are the cause of tooth decay and the group of germs that mostly cause the development of tooth decay is called mutans streptococcus. These bacteria produce acid after feeding on sugar and they dissolve minerals on the enamel. The decay starts to progress and the dentin then to the nerve and blood vessels of the tooth. This is why it is advisable to have the best preventive practices in place at an early age for all kids. These same bacteria also contribute to dental plaque — this is a soft, yellowish, sticky film that builds up on teeth and can further cause tooth decay and /or lead to gum disease if not removed regularly.
Which children are at risk for tooth decay?
So all children are at risk for tooth decay and this is due to the fact that all children have bacteria in their mouth. But the following may raise your child’s risk for it:
• Less saliva flow than normal production
• High levels of the bacteria that cause cavities
• Poor oral hygiene
• A diet high in sugars and starches
• Water supply that has limited or no fluoride in it
What are the symptoms of tooth decay in a child?
The following is the common way that teeth develop decay and cavities occurs in children:
• White spots begin to form on the teeth in areas affected.
• An early cavity appears on the tooth with a light brown color.
• The cavity becomes deeper and turns a darker shade of brown to black.
• Sensitivity to certain foods, like sweets and hot or cold drinks
• Pain in the area around the tooth.
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