Safeguarding Your Child’s Smile by Tackling Pediatric Dental Caries

The prevalence of dental caries, or cavities, in Canadian school-age children is disconcertingly high. Tooth decay in children under 6 years old— an extreme form of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) syndrome — is a big health issue. Based on the statistics from the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), dental caries in young children affects far more than one in four children in the age group of 2-5 years old in our country.

While baby teeth are temporary, it’s not a secret that, similar to adult teeth, they play a significant role in your child’s oral health. They perform the function of proper chewing, speech development, and preserving the space for the permanent teeth to grow. University of Toronto survey showed that kids with severe early childhood caries had close to double the chance of being overweight/obese compared to the other children who did not have tooth decay.

We need to use an integrated action plan to avert dental caries in young children. One practical approach is ensuring the development of good oral hygiene habits from their early years. Introducing a softer bristles toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth emerges is a good approach. Frequent yet gentle dental care should be the starting point for babies. It should start with the child’s first birthday, and other potential problems should be detected early and corrected. Regrettably, it has been reported that by the time kids reach age four, up to one-third of Canadian children have not had a dental checkup.

Improper diet is a crucial factor in getting caries in dental cavities. Junk foods and drinks carry acids and sugars, which can cause the teeth’s enamel to wear down and provide a habitat for developing oral bacteria. It is, therefore, essential to cut their use. Encourage children to eat fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products that can benefit the teeth by remineralizing the tooth enamel. The University of British Columbia conducted research and found that the drinking of soft drinks regularly, more than once a day, led to a nearly threefold likelihood that the kids were going to have the cavity.

Fluoride, a complex mineral that protects the tooth surface and prevents cavities, is a mighty warrior against pediatric dental caries. Getting fluoride varnish treatment is an excellent preventative strategy against decaying teeth. In several instances, dental sealants may be recommended as a preventive measure. These thin films are put on the teeth’ chewing surfaces to cover against bacteria and food particles that may form plaque, which could lead to a cavity. As per the Canada Dental Association, sealants can reduce the likelihood of molar cavities by 20%.

Despite our many attempts, cavities can very well be found within children’s teeth. Although potentially reversible through early intervention, if left untreated, they may result in pain, infection, and even premature tooth loss. If you see a cavity in your child’s tooth, it is highly recommended that you see a qualified pediatric dentist. Early intervention can prevent the loss, preserving the temporary tooth until it naturally falls out. Good dental hygiene habits, balanced meals, and regular dental appointments can significantly decrease children’s risk of caries development. If you live in Surrey and are looking for a trustworthy dental practice that offers a high level of service, consider the New Smile Dental Clinic. Their team of experienced dentists in Surrey is dedicated to your children’s dental health.