How to protect teeth from decay (caries)

Teeth are protected from decay by good care, proper nutrition and regular dental check-ups. When the first stain on the teeth appears that cannot be removed by regular cleaning, visit a pediatric dentist.

What is tooth decay (caries)

Tooth decay can occur very early as a result of inadequate oral hygiene and poor nutrition. The early appearance of decay on a large number of teeth, most often in the upper jaw, is known as circular caries and is also called "baby bottle syndrome". A tooth begins to decay when a sticky deposit called plaque forms on its surface. In it, microorganisms feed on sugars from food and create acid that corrodes the tooth. On the tooth surface, brown spots or a white band along the gum line begin to be noticed, and over an extended period of time, a cavity appears on the tooth. The surrounding gums can be red and swollen, and in severe cases, covered in blisters. Such a chronically inflamed tooth can cause pain and spread the infection, affect nutrition, speech, jaw development and the child's overall growth and development.  

At first signs of tooth decay, it is necessary to take the child to a pediatric dentist for an examination and necessary treatment. Postponing the visit can lead to numerous problems: pain and discomfort, risk of decay of neighboring teeth, increased anxiety during the next dental visit, speech disorders, orthodontic problems, etc.

Protecting teeth from caries

In order to prevent tooth decay, it is necessary to apply the following measures:

  • Regular brushing from the moment the first tooth erupts
  • Initially, cleaning the teeth with damp cotton gauze or an age-appropriate brush
  • Teeth are cleaned twice a day, preferably after the morning and evening meal, and from the second year, a low-fluoride toothpaste is used.

Proper nutrition

  • Provide conditions for the child to develop healthy eating habits and use foods without added sugar or with a low content of natural sugars.
  • The best food in the first 6 months is breastmilk, which continues to be given with the gradual introduction of other foods in the diet. Then you can offer a little water between meals.
  • Do not put the baby to sleep with the bottle in his/her mouth. Teach him/her how to use a cup to drink fluids; you can start already in the first year, when he/she masters the skill of grasping with two hands.

Healthy eating habits

In order to develop healthy eating habits in your child, you need to make sure:

  • that the child has a permanent place to eat at home, eats at about the same time, eats food that is easy to chew and stays in the mouth briefly, that food is removed from the table after a meal 
  • that, when thirsty, the child is given water, rather than sweetened drinks; if you give the child juice, it should be as part of a meal
  • foods that are good for the teeth are those that encourage chewing and salivation: cheese, chopped vegetables - carrots, celery 
  • that you visit the dentist regularly: once or twice a year, even when all of your child's teeth seem healthy
  • you know how much healthy teeth contribute to your child's confident smile

Dental caries can be prevented. Provide conditions for the child to develop healthy life habits and preserve healthy teeth. Try to be a good role model!