The food we eat affects our dental health and tooth decay. Kids and adults need to promote healthy oral hygiene habits. Making good dietary choices surely keeps the teeth healthy and strong. Even poor nutrition during pregnancy increases the chances of tooth decay by up to 2.5 percent. Foods high in sugars, carbohydrates and starch also causes tooth decay.
For children, it is important to follow up an ideal oral care and visit a dental care clinic to promote healthy teeth. A well-balanced healthy diet and good nutritional choices not only maintain good teeth health but also promote overall health. Get to know how dietary choices keep teeth cleaner and strong.
What is tooth decay?
The tiny holes that are created in the teeth due to caries or cavities is because of tooth decay. Almost 52 percent of children suffer from tooth decay because of cavities. Certain acids build up in the mouth and erode the tooth enamel that protects the tooth. Once the enamel gets damaged, harmful bacteria break down the tooth. In such a condition children go to the dentist to avoid any future severe issues. Visiting a good dental care clinic helps prevent the decaying process by offering effective treatments and methods.
Causes of tooth decay in kids
The main reason for cavities in children is poor dental hygiene. Food gets ingested and forms a sticky film and tartar. The harmful bacteria and stubborn tartar can be removed through daily flossing and brushing twice a day. The following are the causes of tooth decay in kids: –
- Genetics
Genetics play a part in determining the teeth alignment. It also determines the production of mineral saliva which helps fight the acids in the mouth and keep the teeth strong and healthy. So, if your child’s teeth are not properly aligned, food gets easily trapped between the gums, becoming the primary cause of tooth decay.
- Sugary foods
Sugary foods play a vital role in destroying the teeth. The sugary items stick with teeth and interact with bacteria in the mouth. The produced acid erodes enamel with time and leads to cavities. The common sugary items are as follow:
- Artificial food items
- Canned Food
- Pastries
- Cakes
- Candies and Jellies
- Drinks
Drinks also damage the tooth enamel. Fruit juices, especially the citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges are acidic in nature. However, beverages like soft drinks, carbonated drinks, and other vinegar dressings may also promote tooth decay.
- Bad oral hygiene
Bad oral routine increases the mouth bacteria by forming a sticky layer of plaque on teeth which can be removed with regular brushing habits. If plaque is not removed in time, it will harden to form tartar. Make sure your children go to the dentist immediately if oral health gets worse and causes the gums to swell.
- Low fluoride levels in water
Low fluoride level in water has become a major concern as it negatively affects your child’s oral health. However, if the caries get worse, visit a good dental care clinic for immediate help.
Symptoms of tooth decay
The symptoms of tooth decay vary on the condition of the teeth. They are:
- White spots
The white spots are a sign indicating excessive consumption of sugar and starch. When teeth are not cleaned properly, the layer of starch and sugar sticks on teeth making them harder with time.
- Light brown cavity
The acids in the food remove essential minerals from the tooth. With time, enamel gets damaged and holes are created in it. This light brown cavity often reaches the next teeth layer, thus making your child’s teeth more sensitive.
- Cavity becomes darker
As tooth decay gets worse, the bacteria and acid in the mouth reach the inner tooth, touching the nerves and blood vessels. The inner tooth portion gets irritated and swollen, but the swelling does not expand, pressing the nerve and causing striking pain. The cavity gets darker when it spreads to the tooth root.
How to prevent tooth decay?
Tooth decay is a common issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Here are a few suggestions on how to effectively prevent tooth decay among kids:
- Visit a dental care clinic regularly: The first step in preventing tooth decay among kids is to make sure that your children go to the dentist regularly after their first birthday. Regularly visiting a dental care clinic is the primary step towards maintaining your child’s oral health and preventing tooth decay.
- Brushing your teeth with fluoride-rich paste: Using fluoride-rich toothpaste has proved to be one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay among kids as it helps provide protection against bacteria. Visit a good dental care clinic and consult a dentist regarding your child’s toothpaste.
- Regular flossing and brushing: Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth significantly affect one’s oral health. Not only does it protect your child’s teeth from bacteria, but also prevents them from getting stained.
- Stop sharing eating utensils: Make sure that you do not share your eating utensils with your little kids as the bacteria from your mouth can enter your child’s and cause an infection in no time.
Role of diet in preventing tooth decay
Diet greatly affects your child’s oral health. while consuming sugary and sticky food items affects their oral health negatively, consuming a diet rich in water and fiber does the quite opposite. Ensuring that your child consumes natural sugars such as those in fruits and vegetables is one of the most effective ways of preventing tooth decay in your kids. Therefore, make sure that you focus on your kid’s diet and ensure proper maintenance, avoiding junk and artificial sweets.
Conclusion
Children go to the dentist to keep their teeth healthy. A good dental care clinic makes sure to use a specialized cleaning tool for deep cleaning. The traditional brushing and flossing techniques help get a clean finish to protect your child’s teeth against cavities.
if your child also suffers from tooth decay or may be at risk, visit Lycian Dental Clinic today. At Lycian Dental Clinic, we ensure cavity prevention and deep dental cleanings for kids. So, book your child’s appointment now for a better oral health.
