If you’re worried about your child’s developing tooth decay, there are some things that you can do to protect their teeth. You can begin by teaching your child about proper oral hygiene. Make sure to use fluoride toothpaste on a daily basis. Your child should also receive routine dental checkups and treatments, including fluoride treatments, and undergo regular x-rays to check for tooth decay. Detecting early signs of tooth decay is very important, as decaying teeth can lead to permanent damage.
Early childhood caries
Early childhood caries is a type of tooth decay that affects children’s teeth from birth to 71 months. Early childhood caries was previously known as nursing bottle caries, baby bottle tooth decay, or night bottle mouth. Infants and young children who drink from nursing bottles are at a high risk for developing tooth decay. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent early childhood caries and tooth decay, including frequent brushing and flossing.
The first sign of early childhood caries is a small white spot on the tooth. If left untreated, this can progress to a hole in the tooth, a painful infection, and even a trip to the emergency room. Fortunately, early childhood tooth decay can be stopped before it leads to cavities, which are much worse and require more extensive dental treatments. To prevent the development of cavities, it’s important to brush children’s teeth thoroughly and make regular trips to the dentist for dental checkups.
Prescription fluoride treatments
There are many benefits to using prescription fluoride treatments for tooth decay in children. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps build strong teeth and prevent cavities. Fluoridated water reduces tooth decay by about 25 percent. While the benefits are obvious, fluoride treatments may offer additional benefits. But they are not always the best choice. Here’s what you need to know about these treatments.
The cost-effectiveness of prescription fluoride treatments for tooth decay in children is not clear. The authors of the study, Ericsson Y, and Burt BA, conducted an experiment on the effects of fluoride on the bacterial community in a community with optimally fluoridated water. They also found that children exposed to high levels of fluoride had more caries in the root area.
Untreated tooth decay
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, an estimated 15 percent of children in the U.S. have untreated tooth decay. While this percentage may not seem high, it represents a growing problem. It’s worth noting that despite the Affordable Care Act’s expansion, many pediatric dentists do not accept Medicaid patients. This situation makes access to dental care more difficult for low-income children. However, the importance of dental care cannot be overstated.
Approximately one in five children has untreated tooth decay. This dental problem has many consequences. It affects the child’s overall health and social development. The pain caused by untreated tooth decay can lead to serious issues such as chewing and speaking. Long-term untreated decay can lead to an abscessed tooth, which can be dangerous, resulting in sepsis and even death. Even if a child’s teeth look healthy, untreated tooth decay can lead to severe dental problems.
Treatment options
If you’re worried that your child may be suffering from tooth decay, don’t panic! Seeing a dentist will help your child’s dentist determine the extent of the decay and what treatment options are available. While cavities in children are common, they should be treated as quickly as possible. Whether you need a filling or a crown, you’ll be glad you made the appointment. Here are some options:
X-rays are another way to detect tooth decay. Your child’s dentist will take x-rays during their dental examination to monitor how deep and how wide the cavity is. Left untreated, tooth decay will continue to grow until it reaches the heart of the tooth, causing a painful toothache. The dentist will recommend a treatment plan based on your child’s risk level. A dental visit to a pediatrician is an important part of your child’s overall care.
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