Tooth Decay

Cavities and tooth decay are some of the most common tooth problems, affecting thousands of men, women and especially children all over the world. The treatment that is applied for tooth decay may vary, based on the severity of the condition, as well as the age of the patient. Older people, suffering from instances of sever tooth decay may need to undergo fluoride treatment, tooth extractions or root canals. However, these types of treatments can be very expensive, which is why most people cannot afford them. Fortunately, it is possible for people to administer tooth decay treatment at home.

Some of the home remedies that can help prevent tooth decay and also prevent the condition of the tooth from worsening include:

Brushing after each meal
Placing crushed garlic, with a pinch of salt mixed in it, directly on the affected tooth
Chewing on pieces of raw onions
Pouring a few drops of vanilla extract on the tooth

However, it is important to realize that tooth decay treatment at home can only prevent the tooth from decaying any further. Once the structure of the tooth is destroyed, it cannot be rectified, without medical intervention.

Home tooth decay treatment for children may be quite different, as compared to the remedies suggested for adults, as they may not be able to take onions or garlic. Hence, it is best to ensure that children follow a good dental routine where they brush their teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride and floss with regularity.

Ironically, there are many parents who seek toddler or infant tooth decay treatment too, in case of those children who use the bottle excessively. Just like in the case of older children, infant and toddler tooth decay treatment mainly comprises a healthy dental routine, with frequent dental checkups. However, to reduce the pain, a cold compress can be placed on the affected part or the check.

Tooth Decay in Children

There are numerous causes of tooth decay in children, the main one being the lack of adequate dental hygiene. Children who do not brush their teeth twice a day, or don’t floss regularly are more likely to experience tooth decay problems. It is also possible to see signs of tooth decay in children who consume high amounts of sugar in their diet. Foods like raisins, cakes, chocolate and sugar coated cereal tend to cause the most damage to the child’s teeth.

Some of the common signs of tooth decay in children include pain, changes in the structure or the color of the tooth, bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth. In case the decay is the result of a tooth infection, then signs like bleeding and pus may also be evident.

Preventing tooth decay in children is a lot easier than treating it. Simply brushing and flossing the teeth may not do the trick; it is important for people to use the right brushing and flossing techniques, for the prevention of tooth decay. The type of brush and toothpaste used also plays an important role in decay prevention. Following a healthy diet can also be very effective.

In most instances, tooth decay in children treatment involves filling, or replacing the tooth with a crown or a cap. For teeth that have been badly damaged, extraction may be the only option.

Causes of Tooth Decay

Strange as it may sound, toddlers too have been known to suffer from tooth decay. The main causes of tooth decay in toddlers is sipping liquids, like milk, juice or even water, from a bottle for a long period of time. Toddlers who eat high amounts of sweets and sticky foods are also more likely to face tooth decay problems. Many parents do not realize the importance of dental hygiene for toddlers.

Tooth decay a very common problem in children all over the world. The main causes of tooth decay in kids include a poor diet, which is very high in sugar. Children should also be encouraged to gargle after each meal, as the longer the food stays on their teeth, the higher the chances of tooth decay. Other common causes of tooth decay in children include lack of dental hygiene. Children suffering from GERD could also experience tooth decay problems.

There are several additional causes of tooth decay in adults, apart from poor diet and lack of adequate dental hygiene. Some of the other causes of tooth decay in adults include eating disorders, mouth dryness and using tobacco products.

Causes of Tooth Decay in Toddlers

The most common causes of tooth decay in toddlers include poor dental hygiene and an unhealthy diet. Many parents allow their toddlers to chew on a piece of fruit, or drink juice out of a bottle for a long time, without realizing the effect this could have on the toddler’s teeth. Moreover, since many toddlers do not have a complete set of teeth, parents may not think it is necessary for them to follow a dental routine.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay in Toddlers

There are several different signs of tooth decay in toddlers, which can allow parents to know that there is something wrong. Some of the most commonly seen symptoms of tooth decay in toddlers include:

Changes in the color of the teeth
Chipped teeth
Symptoms of pain, especially while eating or biting something
Bad breath

Treatment for Tooth Decay in Toddlers

Most parents are apprehensive about having their children undergo treatment for tooth decay, as they fear the use of anesthesia. However, if required, the toddler may need to undergo treatment, to reduce the pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Submitted on January 16, 2014