Caries and oral hygiene

Tooth decay is a disease that destroys tooth structures: enamel and dentin.

Cause

Three factors influence the development of cavities: sugars in the diet, bacteria in the mouth and the susceptibility of each individual.

Symptoms

The first manifestation is a discoloration (dark or whitish) in the tooth enamel. As time passes, enamel breakage appears and a grayish color appears. In this phase it does not produce pain, but if the lesion progresses, it can affect the interior of the tooth and cause intense pain.

Treatment

It must be applied by the dentist. The objective is to control the infection (in the case that a phlegmon has appeared), the remineralization of the tooth and the treatment of complications.

Oral hygiene and prevention

Prevention should be from the first months of the child's life (in order to prevent tooth decay in the bottle and adopt good health habits in the child). The only factor that we cannot act on is individual susceptibility to tooth decay, since it is genetic.

• Diet: reduce the consumption of sugars (sucrose), avoid foods that stick to the teeth (soft candies and gum), avoid prolonged contact of the teeth with the nipple of the bottle (no more than 15-20 minutes per feeding) and do not sweeten pacifiers with honey or sugar. Promote the intake of fiber in the diet and do not offer artificial juices or in a bottle.
• Dental hygiene: the child's oral hygiene is the responsibility of the parents until he or she acquires enough dexterity to do it alone. Tooth brushing should be done as soon as the first teeth appear. Fluoridated toothpaste will not be used until around 4-5 years old because it is swallowed. Flossing is helpful in removing interdental plaque.
• Fluoridation: it is the most effective measure to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is stored in teeth before they appear and makes them strong against the action of bacteria in the mouth. Fluoride can be administered in two ways:
• General route: through the fluoridation of drinking water, it is the cheapest, safest and most effective way, since it reduces the incidence of dental caries by up to 50%. Recommended by WHO. Fluoride supplements can also be given from birth to 16 years.
• Local route: using fluoride mouthwashes from 5-6 years of age.