Tooth decay in children occurs when bacteria that form on the teeth, gums, and mouth react with food stuck between the teeth and around the gum line. This reaction creates an acid that, over time, can wear away the enamel of the tooth, causing tooth decay and in some cases, dental caries or cavities. If tooth decay is not prevented or treated in children, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Sugary foods and drinks are more likely to cause tooth decay, and children are at risk of tooth decay as soon as they have teeth.
What Are The Symptoms Of Tooth Decay In Children?
There are both physical and visual symptoms of tooth decay in children. If white spots form on the tooth surface, it can indicate that the tooth enamel has started to break down and tooth decay may be occurring. Physically, pain or sensitivity around the tooth can be a sign of tooth decay.
How To Prevent Tooth Decay In Children
Cleaning and Brushing Regularly
Brushing teeth and gums twice daily for 2 minutes each time is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay in children. Our Kid's care Bundle has been specifically designed to meet children’s oral care needs, cleaning teeth and gums gently and effectively. For a manual brush, look to our 100% recyclable Bamboo Toothbrush range which is perfect for children aged 2-6 years.
Gums are where plaque starts to grow, forming along the gum line and growing down to the tip of the tooth. Teach children to brush at an angle half on the gum and half of the tooth, to ensure proper plaque control and prevent tooth decay.
Remind children to never rinse their mouth out after brushing their teeth. The active ingredients in toothpaste should embed and dissolve into the tooth surface. Rinsing will wash away all of those active ingredients. Instead, teach children to leave toothpaste in their mouth for extended protection against tooth decay.
Clean Ingredients
It’s important that you choose a toothpaste that contains Fluoride for your child. Although there has been a surge in natural toothpastes over the last decade, without the essential active ingredients necessary to fight tooth decay, these toothpastes will not protect your child’s teeth and gums properly.
Our Spotlight Oral Care Toothpaste for Children is a great option. Containing the active ingredient Fluoride, and only clean, and effective ingredients, this toothpaste is clinically proven to reduce and prevent early tooth decay in children. It comes in a mild mint flavor, is a 100% clean and toxin-free formulation, comes in a 100% recyclable sugarcane tube, and actively works to strengthen enamel against tooth decay.
Child's Flossing
Flossing helps to get rid of the food debris that gets caught between children’s teeth which can act as a breeding ground for bacteria and contribute to plaque buildup and tooth decay. To prevent tooth decay in children, we recommend flossing once a day using Spotlight Oral Care Dental Floss. Dipped in clean, active ingredients and made from 100% recycled plastic, this dental floss makes cleaning teeth easy for children.
Dentist Visits
To prevent tooth decay in children, it is important that they visit a dentist for check-ups regularly. While at-home oral care is essential, only a dentist can treat tooth decay and cavities.
Food & Drinks to Avoid
Foods and drinks that contain sugar should be avoided as sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay in children. Fruit juices and fizzy drinks and foods like chocolate, sugar-coated cereals, and even high-fructose fruits should be avoided due to their high sugar content. When checking labels for sugar, remember that it can be listed as sucrose, glucose, fructose, and maltose. Hidden sugars may be contained in food and drinks for children, so always check twice.
How To Treat Tooth Decay In Children
Depending on how severe the tooth decay is, your dentist may need to provide a filling for the tooth. In any case, once tooth decay has occurred, it is essential that your dentist advise you on how best to treat the tooth decay.