Early Childhood Cavities: 5 Facts Parents Should Know

Early childhood cavities can be a concerning prospect for new parents. At Smiley Pearls dental clinic in Sachse, TX, our dentists provide both preventative care as well as preventative education as a part of comprehensive pediatric and general dentistry. But what can parents do to help? In addition to taking your child to the dentist for regular checkups, parents can help their children maintain good oral health by establishing a consistent routine of brushing and flossing. To stay informed in-between pediatric dental visits, review these five helpful tips and help your child set up healthy habits now to prevent early childhood tooth decay. 

1. Cavities are the number one preventable childhood disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to significant health problems. Cavities not only cause pain, but can interfere with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. However, with proper oral hygiene and healthy habits, cavities are preventable. 

What can parents or caregivers do to protect your child’s teeth from tooth decay and the resulting complications? Spend time showing your child the proper way to brush teeth. Healthy, consistent at-home oral hygiene habits help increase their effectiveness and ward off unnecessary decay. Additionally, schedule routine dental visits at a pediatric dentist near you. Regular dental visits can prevent cavities from forming and also provides the opportunity to detect and treat tooth decay in the earliest and easily treatable stages.

2. Primary teeth are just as important as permanent teeth.

A common misconception is that caring for primary teeth is not important because “they will eventually fall out anyway”. However, primary teeth play an important role in oral and dental development and health, and as such, should be treated with the same level of care as permanent teeth. Some important functions of primary teeth include, helping children to eat and speak. Primary teeth also guide the permanent adult teeth into position, so it is important to take care of your child’s teeth right from the start.

Even though the baby teeth are temporary, cavities in primary teeth are serious and should be treated. Tooth decay in baby teeth can be painful for your child and can deteriorate into a dangerous infection if left untreated. Furthermore, tooth decay in baby teeth can have an impact on permanent teeth as well as increase the likelihood of developing cavities later in life.

3. Cavities are “contagious”.

You may be surprised to learn that cavities are contagious.  While tooth decay is not contagious in the same way a cold is contagious, bacteria that causes cavities transmits orally from person to person. The truth is, early childhood cavities do not just form from eating sugary foods. Cavities are a result of leftover food particles being processed into acids by bacteria in your mouth. These acids get trapped against the teeth by a thin film called plaque. The buildup of bacteria and the breakdown of tooth enamel causes cavities to form. 

Cavities spread or can be considered “contagious” because of the bacteria that causes them. Many types of bacteria can live in the mouth, but Streptococcus mutans is one of the most common and is considered a primary culprit in the formation of cavities. Studies have shown that S. mutans can spread through saliva. This means that cavity-causing bacteria can spread through any exchange of saliva such as kissing or sharing drinks. 

Parents can help prevent the spread of bacteria by teaching their little ones healthy habits. Remind your child not to share food or drinks. Practice good oral hygiene at home. Brushing and flossing teeth regularly can help prevent the bacteria buildup that causes cavities to form. By practicing healthy habits, both parents and children can help protect against the spread of cavities and cavity-forming bacteria.

4. Early signs of cavities can be hard to spot.

Cavities develop slowly over time and can be difficult to spot in the early stages. Early detection and treatment is key to protecting your child’s primary teeth from severe decay leading to unnecessary tooth or jaw pain and potentially costly procedures.

While proper diagnosis of early childhood caries requires a professional examination, parents should be aware of how cavities may present. Some visible signs of tooth decay include: 

• A dull white band on the tooth surface closest to the gum line – typically only detectable by a dental professional.
• A yellow, brown or black band on the tooth surface closest to the gum line – symptomatic that the decay may be progressing.
• Teeth that look like brownish-black stumps – indicative of advanced tooth decay requiring immediate treatment.

Fortunately, proper treatments can reverse early childhood cavities. However, since early stages can be difficult to see, be sure your child visits the dentist regularly for professional exams and hygiene treatments.

5. Fluoride is a superhero when it comes to fighting early childhood cavities.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral used in dentistry to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. A mineral in your bones and teeth, fluoride is also found in many natural sources such as water, soil, plants, and rocks.

What makes fluoride an important part of preventing early childhood cavities and even restoring and strengthening tooth enamel? Fluoride protects teeth from developing tooth decay in three ways:

• Makes tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to acid
• Reverses early tooth decay by putting minerals back into the teeth
• Interferes with the ability of bacteria to make acid

Unless otherwise indicated by your child’s dentist, be sure to choose a toothpaste for your child (over the age of 2 years old) with fluoride. Fluoride treatments are also a safe and effective option for ensuring proper fluoride intake. If you have questions about fluoride treatments or have concerns about fluoride, talk to our dentists at Smiley Pearls family dental clinic in Sachse, TX.

Remember: Prevention and early detection are key.

Dental professionals recommend that children visit the dentist within 6 months of the first tooth erupting or by 12 months of age. These early dental visits allow the dentist to spot early signs of tooth decay, help your child build comfort and confidence in the dental chair, and give parents helpful resources and coaching to build healthy habits and prevent future cavities. 

Like adults, children should visit the dentist every 6 months for examinations and professional cleanings unless otherwise noted by your dentist. If you are looking for an experienced and compassionate dentist for kids in Sachse, TX, book an appointment at Smiley Pearls today. Our dentists provide honest evaluations and thorough examinations to give every patient – and parent! – confidence and a clear picture of their oral health.