Why Is Tooth Decay So Common in Children?

By L Andrew Mutch | Published on August 18, 2011 | 0 Comments

Tooth decay is a serious issue for patients of all ages, however Alhambra, CA, cosmetic dentist Dr. L. Andrew Mutch DDS explains that it is especially important that pediatric patients, and their parents, understand the dangers of dental decay.

By some estimates, tooth decay can be as much as five times more common in children as it is in adults. A cosmetic dentist in Alhambra, CA, Dr. Mutch says the reasons why this is the case are two-fold.

Most parents would do anything to protect their children, however they may actually be putting them in danger without ever realizing it. Simple mistakes like putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or fruit juice can cause baby bottle syndrome. This is a syndrome that has been heavily linked to early instances of tooth decay along the front upper teeth.

In addition to making sure to not put a baby or a toddler to bed with a bottle, Dr. Mutch is a cosmetic dentist in Alhambra, CA, who advises parents to limit their children’s sugar intake as much as possible. The less sugar a child has during his formative years, the better off he is going to be as far as oral health is concerned.

Another element that plays a role in the development of dental decay has to do with enamel. As a cosmetic dentist in Alhambra, CA, Dr. Mutch has noticed that the enamel on baby teeth tends to not be quite as resistant to decay as the enamel on adult teeth. As a result, babies and small children can sometimes get decay even when their parents are trying to do the right thing by brushing and flossing for them each night.

Dr. Mutch has worked with many pediatric patients who suffered from cavities and decay as children, and yet did not have these issues when their permanent teeth came in. Nonetheless, cavities in baby teeth still need to be addressed because they serve as space maintainers and create the necessary room for permanent teeth to grow in. If a child gets a cavity on a primary tooth and that cavity goes untreated, then there is a good chance his adult dentition will suffer as a result.

To prevent these issues from ever happening in the first place, Dr. Mutch recommends that parents bring their children into the dentist on a regular basis from a very early age. He also suggests that parents floss and brush their children’s teeth each night to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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