Cavities are among the most prevalent chronic illnesses that affect children throughout Canada and there is a rise in treatment of prevention of tooth decay in children. If not treated, cavities can cause inflammation and infections that can result in issues in eating, talking, speaking, playing and even learning. Children with poor oral health tend to skip school more often and score lower marks as compared to children who have healthy teeth. More than half of the children between the ages of 6 and 8 have had a tooth cavity in at the very least one of their infant (primary) teeth. More than half of teenagers aged between 12 and 19 years old have a cavity on some of their teeth.
Children between the ages of 5 and 19 years of families with low income are twice more likely (25 percent) to suffer from cavities when compared to children of households with more money (11 percent). The positive side is that cavities can be prevented. Fluoride varnish is able to prevent around one-third (33 percent) of the cavities that affect the first (baby) tooth. Child dental care tips must be followed so that living in communities that have fluoridated water sources have less cavities than children whose tap water isn't orally fluoridated. Similarly those who brush their teeth daily using fluoride toothpaste will suffer less cavities.
Dental sealants can also stop cavities for years. The application of dental sealants on the chewing surfaces on the back teeth can prevent spreading germs, about 80percent of the cavities.
Units of Measure
Prevention of tooth decay in children can be measured by a dentist looking at the teeth of a child, noting the ones that have decay that is not treated as well as those with fillings. The results are three crucial numbers. Ft (filled teeth) This is the number of teeth that are decayed that have been fixed, which means access to tooth decay treatment. The term "dt" refers to the number of decayed teeth (decayed teeth) This is the number of teeth that are decayed that haven't been treated and is a measure of not being met with need;
DFT (decayed as well as filled) It is the total of ft and dt. It's the measurement of a person's total life-time tooth decay. Apart from counting filled and decayed teeth, this information can be obtained at the surface of the tooth. Because every tooth has multiple surfaces, weighing the surfaces that are filled or decayed can provide a more accurate estimate of the extent of decay. The following tables provide both ways of measuring caries.
Prevention of Tooth Decay in Children in Primary (Baby) Teeth
Prevention of tooth decay in children overall in the infant teeth of children between the ages of 2 and 11 decreased in the 1970s and early 1980s, but increased until the mid-90s. Between the mid 1990s and this year's (1999-2004) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey This trend reversed. A slight but significant rise in primary dental decay was noted. This trend was more evident in young children. Tables 1 through 4 provide some estimates of caries in primary teeth for children ranging from 2-11 years, and also for certain subgroups.
Prevention of Tooth Decay in Children in Primary Baby Teeth (Prevalence)
42% of children aged 2 to 11 have prevention of tooth decay in children on the primary tooth of their child.
Black as well as Hispanic children, as well as those in families with less income are more susceptible to decay.
What's the Reason Why It's at an Alarming Rate?
Many parents do not take proper care of their child's teeth. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 41 percent of the children between 2 and 11 have dental cavities as infants. In addition, 21 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 11 had prevention of tooth decay in children in their permanent teeth.
Tooth decay, which is among the most frequent childhood diseases, has become so serious it has prompted the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to launch a public awareness campaign. This happens when enamel is damaged due to plaque, which is a type of bacteria that is found on your teeth. In the absence of tooth decay treatment, it can cause cavities, infections, gum disease, cavities, or even more. The loss of teeth can be painful and extremely uncomfortable.
Children who are still developing their teeth are at risk of tooth decay too. Since their teeth are developing, they're soft and more prone to the effects of bacteria. The decay of teeth in children can result in the loss of their teeth early and cause the requirement for expensive dental implants at a young age.
Be in charge of your child's dental health and put your child on the right path towards having a healthy mouth. This means cleaning their mouth and gums using care with a baby toothbrush and soft cloth during bath time. It is also possible to clean eruptions by applying a thin layer of fluoride toothpaste at least twice each day. Remember to give your child water only before bedtime.
What Causes Cavities in Toddlers and Children?
Tooth decay starts with bacteria that are known as mutans streptococcus. "The bacteria feed on sugar and produce acid that eats away at the structure of teeth by depleting calcium," advises Parents advisor Burton Edelstein, D.D.S. Director of the Children's Dental Health Project. Plaque is also created by bacteria. yellowish film that accumulates on the teeth and is laced with more acid that erodes enamel. If a region that isn't calcium-rich grows large enough the tooth's surface is weakened, and that's a cavity.
Babies are born with no harmful bacteria in their mouths. Studies have shown that mothers (rather than dads) tend to have their children infected before the age of 2. This happens when you pour your saliva into your child's mouth by frequently eating with the same spoon that your child is eating from as an example, or letting your child brush their teeth using your toothbrush. If you've had a lot of cavities , you're more likely to pass on the bacteria to your child.
What Are the Risk Factors for Cavities?
The likelihood of your child getting cavities is higher because family members (older siblings, brothers or parents) are prone to cavities. They consume lots of sugary drinks and food like soda, especially in the interval between meals. They have particular medical requirements. They wear braces , orthodontics or other oral appliances. If one of these applies to your child, make certain to consult your pediatrician, dentist, or your family doctor to be sure you're taking additional measures to protect your child's teeth.
Conclusion
Your child must visit the dentist by the time of his 1st birthday in accordance with recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Association (AAPD) as well as the AAP. If you delay till your child is older the process of decay is already in full swing Around 28 percent of children aged 2-5 have dental cavities in their primary teeth
