Process of Dental Caries in Children

All of us are well aware of what teeth decay actually looks like, how it manifests itself, the physical changes and the causes for it. Not many know the process of decay, and how early intervention can stop and even reverse the deterioration of teeth.

Everyone is susceptible to tooth decay. While adults can prevent it or look after their teeth better, children cannot do the same. It is left up to us parents to ensure we know the stages of caries and how we can intervene at the right time, with the right methods and prevent further damage from taking place.

Dental caries in children unfolds over a prolonged period of time. Below is the process by which this happens,

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•       The mouth is a cavity that is exposed to germs all day, everyday. Bacteria grow in the gut and help in the process of digestion, with the process beginning in the oral cavity. Bacteria also enter the oral cavity with food. The breakdown of food causes the formation of plaques, sticky whitish deposits that collect around the gum line, grooved surfaces of teeth and edges of fillings. Plaque allowed to collect for a prolonged period of time, hardens into 'tartar'.
•       Plaque also uses the remnants of food in the mouth to produce 'acids'. Some foods like beverages and meat are already acidic and affect the teeth.
•       Acid attacks the outer layer of teeth, the enamel and dentine, and erodes them gradually over a period of time. Gradually a small hole or cavity begins to appear on the surface of the tooth or the enamel. This stage is usually painful.
•       Once holes are formed in the enamel or outer lining of the teeth, it becomes easier for plaque and bacteria to reach the dentine (layer just below the enamel). Dentine is usually softer and gets eroded faster. 
•       If treatment doesn't begin at this stage, the bacteria reach the tooth pulp, where nerves are exposed to them, resulting in a excessive pain.
•            When bacteria infect the tissue within the pulp and this isn't treated, it leads to the formation of a dental abscess.

It is often seen that tooth decay typically occurs with molars and pre-molars, large back teeth used for grinding, which have irregular surfaces, making it easier for food to stick and cause infection. These are also unreachable and not cleaned regularly.

Tooth decay in children, can manifest in any number of ways;

•      Breakage of teeth
•      Toothache or pain    
•      Infection of nerve or pulp
•      Death of nerve and numbness 
•      Swelling of face
•      Vomiting, headache and other general symptoms

It is important to remember that dental intervention in children, can save them from pain and many other future problems. It can also help save their milk teeth, in turn ensuring that their permanent teeth grow properly and giving them good oral health for life.

A pediatric dentist not just treats caries once they have begun, but also looks for signs and symptoms of impending tooth damage in children. Beginning a child's dental check-up as early as age 1, can go a long way to ensure that our children don't suffer as much as we do.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Your Children's Teeth

Toothbrushes are one of the most important tools in dental hygiene, and yet they are often taken for granted. While adults choose toothbrushes based on ease of use and other fancier requirements - dual bristles or unusual shape, with children we often buy what we assume is best for them in terms of their looks.

Toothbrushes have come a long way - from 'chew sticks with frayed edges', still used in rural areas, to those crafted with bone or wood. Nylon bristled plastic toothbrushes, as we see them today, were only introduced in the 1930's.

Why Brush?

Toothbrush plays an important role in a child's oral health. Brushing removes accumulated food, plaque found between teeth and even the yellowish stain on them (a sticky film of bacteria). If plaque is left untouched, it leads to tartar formation or whitish deposits between teeth. When this tartar hardens, brushing becomes difficult, leading to gum tissue swelling or bleed. This is when periodontal or gum disease actually begins.

Which is the best toothbrush to choose for your child's teeth?

The toothbrush market is bursting with them in various sizes, colors and shapes. It is often difficult to choose which is the perfect one. Below are a few pointers about what you can look out for;

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•       Soft Bristled - Children have small teeth, and their gums are sensitive. Soft bristles help remove plaque and food from the gum line, as well as are gentle on gums. It is better to choose toothbrushes that have a rounded end or are polished. 
•       Comfort matters - It doesn't matter what toothbrush you choose for your child's teeth, it must be comfortable. Long toothbrushes can cause injuries and short ones may not reach certain areas of the mouth. The only criteria you should look for, is whether the brush fits their mouth and reaches the back of it as well.

•       Regular or Powered Toothbrushes - Electric powered toothbrushes are very popular abroad, but haven't yet caught the fancy of Indians in a big way. While powered have been thought to clean teeth better, regular ones are just as good, safer and also cost-effective.

Age specific brush use;

1. Babies and Toddlers - Using a damp cloth or gauze, rubbed gently in circular motions is sufficient to clean baby's teeth. Toothbrushes are available for babies, which are small and convenient. Beginning their use early, makes the child get used to the ritual and removes accumulation of milk and food.

By 2 years of age, toddlers are eager to brush themselves, and longer toothbrushes with small heads and soft grips can keep them busy with their teeth.

2. Five to Eight - At this age, the child shows his readiness to brush independently. The toothbrushes although similar to adult ones, are still small with large handles. Manual and powered are often available for pre-adolescent children.

Buying the right toothbrush for your child's teeth, isn't where it all begins and ends. For clean and healthy teeth, brushing must be done twice a day, after breakfast and before bed at night. Flossing must be done whenever possible, to remove food accumulated between teeth. When toothbrush bristles fray or after a period of three months - whichever earlier - new toothbrushes have to replace the old ones. Brushes for kids are to be replaced more frequently than that of adults.

It is always important to involve your child when buying toothbrush for themselves, so that they grow to love the entire process of cleaning their teeth lifelong.