15 Jul How the Decay of Baby Teeth Can Affect Adult Teeth?
Why do we grow baby teeth?
Our teeth provide multiple functions. There is so much more to teeth than just helping us chew our food, despite what some people may believe. As our jaws expand and grow, baby teeth serve as a temporary replacement for our adult teeth and assist us in speaking and smiling.
Since teeth don’t grow like hair or nails, they cannot be changed once they have fully developed. 32 adult teeth are simply too large for a child’s jaw. We require two sets of teeth in order to accommodate the gradual change in the size of our jaws without impairing our capacity to use them. Because both sets of teeth are crucial, you must develop healthy oral practices from an early age.
How can I tell if my child’s teeth are decaying?
It’s vital to schedule routine checkups for your infant since sometimes you won’t notice extremely obvious indicators of tooth decay until it’s too late. The following are some noticeable indicators of tooth decay that demand a timely visit to the dentist:
- White spots start to appear along the gum line on the teeth.
- Tooth stains that are brown or black
- A toothache (pain surrounding the tooth)
- Sensitivity to particular foods, including sweets and hot or cold beverages
In general, it’s essential to have your child’s teeth checked by a specialist if you see any anomalies so that any further harm can be avoided.
How do adult teeth get affected by baby tooth decay?
A mouthful of cavities and decay has a very high bacterial burden. By the time the new permanent teeth begin to develop by the age of 6, the bacteria already present in them has invaded them, causing cavities in the developing permanent teeth.
Baby tooth decay can advance further into the root canals and through them into the underlying bone if left untreated. The body’s reaction varies based on the child’s age and the stage of development of the erupting permanent tooth, which may result in an acidic environment around the developing permanent tooth.
There’s a chance that the adult tooth will develop a permanent tint, undergo decay, or show signs of deformity or discoloration.
How can I protect my child’s teeth from tooth decay?
Since poor oral hygiene and diet are the main causes of tooth decay, it is avoidable. The following actions can be taken to assist your child avoid tooth decay:
Establish a healthy routine: When your child’s first tooth appears, you should establish a brushing schedule. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush to twice daily brush your child’s teeth, tongue, and gums. Make sure your child is brushing their teeth correctly if they are old enough to do it on their own. A recommended time to start including flossing in your child’s dental routine is after the age of two.
Use Fluoride-containing Products: Fluoride is a substance used to stop tooth decay. It supports tooth strength, helps teeth withstand acid, and prevents germs from causing cavities. Children and adults who live in homes with water that contains little to no fluoride typically need supplements, but for the majority, using fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash is sufficient.
Maintain a balanced diet: Ensure that your kid consumes a healthy, balanced diet. Reduce your intake of sugary, sticky snacks including chips, candies, cookies, and cake. Sugar starts interacting with plaque bacteria and producing acid as soon as it is consumed. The decay in your teeth is therefore caused by the acid progressively dissolving your enamel. Keeping your diet low in sugar and acid is ideal for your teeth as well as your general health.
Limit sugary beverages before bed: If your child takes a bottle to bed, fill it only with water. Sugars in juice and infant formula can cause tooth decay. Have you heard of bottle rot? It’s preferable to avoid letting those sugars sit on your child’s gums as much as you can.
If you’re in the Allen, Texas area, call 972-727-0011 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina, Pediatric Dentist.