Cavities in Kids: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention


healthline.com

Dental caries or cavities affect children throughout the different stages of their development. Cavities may grow in the grooves, on the sides, or on the surface of the teeth and tooth roots. Over 50 percent of children ages 6 to 8 have cavities in their baby teeth. In addition, around 20 percent of kids experience tooth decay yet are left untreated.

According to If Your Mouth Could Talk author and super dentist Dr. Kami Hoss, baby tooth enamel is more prone to cavities or caries. In color, early childhood caries or ECC often start light brown but turn black over time. Usually, these cavities show up on the biting surfaces of baby teeth. Plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene, unhealthy diet, oral health history, and childhood habits all contribute to the development of cavities in a child's mouth.

Oral health history may be the most difficult to understand among the factors contributing to cavities. Oral health history refers to the effects of a mother's oral and overall health on their baby. Mothers must pay close attention to their oral health throughout pregnancy to prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. In addition, children who are born prematurely may be more prone to cavities as they age.

nature.com

Dr. Kami Hoss shares that caring for baby teeth is almost the same as keeping adult teeth healthy. Parents can teach their toddlers how to brush their teeth by example. Developing a parent-child oral hygiene routine helps build positive dental health habits. Adults must also teach kids that going to the dentist is a positive experience, not something to be afraid of. A proper diet that consists of vegetables, fruits, and legumes promotes a healthy smile. Parents should avoid feeding their kids sugary treats or letting them drink soda as the acid that gets in contact with sugar may dissolve tooth enamel.

Dr. Kami Hoss is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. He gives back to his community by organizing a free dental day for kids who cannot afford to receive regular dental treatment. Head over to this page for more on Dr. Hoss.

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