Tooth Cavities

At Totally Smiles, we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure, and when it comes to tooth cavities and decay in children, early prevention is the key.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is the general name for the damage that is done when the bacteria that occur naturally in the mouth create acid that erodes teeth. It can happen when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are left on the teeth. Such foods include milk, soda, raisins, candy, cake, fruit juices, cereals, and bread

Every tooth has three layers:

• The hard enamel on the outside
• The middle layer of dentin
• The pulp at the centre of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels

The longer tooth decay is left untreated, the more layers are affected and the worse the damage will be.

What causes tooth decay?

All children have bacteria in their mouth. So all children are at risk for tooth decay. Dry mouth causes 30% of all tooth decay. This is because saliva helps to wash away food debris and reduce plaque, which forms on teeth and gums. Plaque contains the bacteria that feed on sugars from food that remain on teeth. As the bacteria feed, they produce acids that erode tooth enamel over time, causing decay and tooth cavities.

How do I know if I have tooth cavities?

Unless your child visits the dentist for regular six-monthly check-ups, you may not know your child has tooth decay until you have a cavity or even an infected tooth. If this happens, you may experience:

• A toothache
• Swelling in your gums near a painful tooth
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• White, grey, brown, or black spots on your teeth

 

How is it treated?

Regular check-ups help detect decay before a cavity forms and fluoride treatments may be sufficient. However, if the decay has eaten through the enamel, you may need:

• A filling, when the dentist will fill the hole and restore the tooth to its original shape.
• A crown if the decay has been left longer and you need a replacement for part of a tooth.
• Root canal therapy if the pulp of the tooth becomes infected.
• Extraction if the root of the tooth is severely damaged. The tooth may need to be removed and replaced with a bridge or an implant.

How to prevent tooth decay in your child

At Totally Smiles, we want to help you prevent tooth decay before it starts. Here’s how:

• Make sure they brush their teeth twice a day, after breakfast and before going to bed.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss twice a day after the age of 2
• Avoid foods and drinks that are high in sugar, especially soft drinks, sweet cereal, desserts, and sticky foods.
• Don’t let them snack before bedtime. Food left on the teeth overnight is more likely to cause cavities.
• See the team at Totally Smiles for regular check-ups so that any early problems can be treated before major, expensive treatments are needed.

However, if you do get a toothache, don’t delay and visit one of our more than 50 practices nationwide before it gets worse.

Contact your local Totally Smiles practice to book in your next dental examination, or book an appointment online now.