The incidence of cavities in young children has declined, reports the American Dental Association. However, cavities still represent one of the most common disorders, second only to the common cold. Smooth surface cavities are the least serious of the three types of cavities, which also include root decay cavities and pit and fissure cavities. Smooth surface cavities occur on the outside, smooth sides of the teeth. Dental hygiene goes a long way in preventing and sometimes treating these cavities in children.
Causes
After eating any food, the bacteria normally present in the mouth converts foods into acid. The acid, bacteria, saliva and food debris combine to form plaque, the sticky substance a child often feels by running his tongue over his teeth. This plaque builds up within just 20 minutes of eating. If a child does not remove the plaque through regular brushing and flossing, the plaque causes a surface cavity. Consuming a lot of sugary foods or drinks increases the chances of a smooth surface cavity.
Treatment
Because smooth surface cavities are the least serious type of cavities, improved oral hygiene may treat the cavity. Depending on the severity of the cavity, your dentist may recommend increasing flossing with fluoride treatments to restore the tooth enamel. If fluoride treatments are not enough, a filling is the next step. The dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth with a drill and fill the hole with the appropriate material.
Prevention
To prevent cavities, help young children with brushing and flossing. Encourage good dental hygiene in older children. From ages 2 to 6, brush your child’s teeth twice per day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Floss in between each tooth daily. Once your child can brush his own teeth, supervise him until he learns to do a thorough job for at least three minutes. Take your child to the dentist for a check-up every six months. Ask your dentist about dental sealants.
Diet
A healthy diet is important for oral health. Eliminate sugary drinks, such as soda and sports drinks, from your child’s diet. In most cases, water is all a kid needs for hydration. Enforce the three-hour sugar rule. After having something with sugar, your child must wait at least three hours to have anything else with sugar; this includes cough drops, breath mints and gum. Better yet, give your child sugar-free gum.
References
- American Dental Assocation: Tooth Decay
- Medline Plus: Dental Cavities
- MayoClinic.com: Types of Cavities
- Oral-B: Know These Types of Cavities in Teeth
- MayoClinic.com; Cavities/Tooth Decay; April 2011
- American Dental Assocation; Cavity Prevention Tips From the American Dental Association; January 2008
- American Dental Association; AAP: Kids Should Not Consume Energy Drinks; Karen Fox; June 2011
- TeensHealth: Taking Care of Your Teeth
