7 March 2019 Author: Carolina Damião Ferreira Early childhood tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children aged up to 6 years, and can start to develop as soon as the first tooth comes through. How does tooth decay in children come about? Tooth decay is caused by the conversion of sugar into acid by bacteria that is naturally present in the mouth. This leads to defects such as cavities in the tooth enamel , the protective outer layer of the teeth. The bacteria that causes decay appears in the mouth after the birth of the child, and is inevitable. It is mainly transmitted via the mother and, the earlier it occurs, the greater the risk and the faster the development of the disease. What can cause tooth decay in children? Sugar is the main feeder of these microorganisms. The important thing is not the amount of sugar ingested, but its consistency and the frequency of consumption. As such, eating habits that involve prolonged periods of contact between sugar, bacteria and teeth can lead to the development of tooth decay. The most common examples are: Taking syrups before sleeping; Giving babies a bottle with milk or sugary liquids immediately before putting them to bed or during the night; Putting sugar on dummies. How can dental complications associated with tooth decay in children be prevented? This behaviour, together with poor oral hygiene , is the greatest risk factor for children. Early childhood cavities have a characteristic pattern: white lesions (spots or lines) of demineralised and brittle enamel on the upper incisors and molars. Without timely treatment, these rapidly develop into large brownish cavities. Early complications of tooth decay in childhood may be both oral and systemic: Pain in the throat and teeth and headache; Respiratory and digestive infections; Premature loss of teeth leading to developmental defects in terms of speech, sleep, eating and the bones of the jaw; Loss of appetite and possible malnutrition due to chewing difficulties; Changes in physical and intellectual development. It is therefore extremely important that tooth decay in children is diagnosed and treated early. Although it is a very common condition, tooth decay in early childhood can be prevented and should start with monitoring the oral health of the mother, beginning in the prenatal period . This minimises the transmission of cariogenic bacteria and the resulting risk of tooth decay. Routine dental check-ups are recommended from the age of 1 and are an ideal source of information and monitoring of oral health. These check-ups should involve not only an assessment of the risk of tooth decay , but also dietary advice to promote anti-cariogenic eating habits. In addition, the motivation for correct oral hygiene is also evaluated and prev entive measures are directly implemented, such as the administration of fluorides to strengthen and re-mineralise the structure of the dental enamel, increasing its resistance to decay. Early diagnosis and treatment of possible lesions can avoid complications and promote the oral health and wellbeing of the child. Be aware that: Sugars are the main food of the bacteria that cause caries; Poor oral hygiene is also one of the biggest risk factors; Premature loss of teeth leads to changes in the development of the jaws and speech, making chewing painful, with loss of appetite and malnutrition. At the hospitals and clinics at the Hospital da Luz network, you can find dental specialists who will monitor your oral health. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
