Cavities in Kids: Causes, Signs, Treatment and Prevention-Harish Jagtani Hospitals

Tooth decay or a cavity is a permanently damaged area in a tooth. This dental problem is quite common in toddlers and children. When a cavity occurs in the primary or baby tooth of a kid, parents often ignore the condition, thinking that the kid is going to lose the tooth eventually and therefore, does not require medical attention. However, this might not be a smart decision. Read on to understand in detail about cavities in kids and if you are seeking world-class dental services in DRC, look no further than Harish Jagtani Hospitals.

Causes of cavities in kids

Cavities are caused due to plaque buildup which causes a hole in the tooth enamel over time. Dental plaque is a sticky substance that forms over teeth when a kid does not brush and floss their teeth regularly or properly. Due to this lack of dental hygiene, the bacteria in the mouth gets an opportunity to combine with food particles, saliva and acid, ultimately forming plaque. Diet also plays an important role in dental or oral hygiene. Children who eat foods high in sugar and/or carbohydrates are more prone to developing cavities. Some common examples of such foods include ice cream, candies, cakes, chips, crackers, etc. Additionally, some studies show that people having softer enamel genetically may have a higher risk of developing cavities, however, more research is required on this subject.

Signs of cavities in kids

Tooth decay and cavities can lead to pain, however, in case they do not cause pain, it can be difficult to recognise the problem. Therefore, parents should always look out for signs like:

• Dark or white spots on a tooth
• Sensitivity to cold foods and drinks
• Avoiding food
• Mouth swelling
• Crying or fussiness
• Lethargy

Treatment of cavities in kids

Upon suspecting a cavity or dental problem, parents should take their kid to a dentist immediately and avoid trying home remedies or medicines without prescription since they may affect the kid’s health adversely. The doctor will recommend a treatment plan depending upon the extent of the tooth decay. One of the common treatment procedures for cavities in kids includes the removal of tooth decay and filling the cavity. Also, parents should not ignore cavities in baby (primary) teeth. If a child loses their baby tooth prematurely due to tooth decay, the arrival and growth of their permanent tooth may get affected. Also, the health of baby teeth is important as they help a child in chewing food and speaking.

In case the dentist finds the need to extract the baby tooth due to infection or too much damage, they will take the necessary measures and suggest guidelines to ensure the proper growth of permanent teeth.

Preventing cavities in kids

Cavities can be easily prevented by maintaining good dental and oral hygiene. Since most children under the age of 6 are unable to brush well on their own, parents should take up the job. Also, kids, even after the age of 6, may brush carelessly or skip brushing altogether. Therefore, parents should teach them the importance of brushing and flossing. Children with a sweet tooth should be offered healthier alternatives like yoghurt and granola bars.

Remember, regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining teeth health, therefore, take your child to a dentist at least twice a year to prevent all such conditions.

The Bottom Line

Cavities are one of the common health problems faced by kids but not the only one. Since children may have weaker immunity, they are more prone to developing diseases. To seek immediate medical attention and emergency healthcare services for your child, you can trust Harish Jagnati Hospitals as we are manned by top specialists, night doctors, nurses, and other expert healthcare providers. Save our helpline number as one of your emergency contacts and access world-class medical services with ease.