Is it possible to prevent children’s teeth from decaying? The answer is YES, as long as we start early with prevention and possible treatment first for baby teeth (primary teeth) and later for permanent teeth.
Preventive check-ups and timely treatment of primary teeth damage are essential for many reasons, including the early diagnosis of orthodontic problems before they lead to more severe abnormalities in the future.
We pay great attention to the following:
Oral hygiene
Fluoridation
Sealants (preventive fillings)
Diet
ORAL HYGIENE
Move the toothbrush from the gums towards the tip of the teeth to remove plaque from the gum line. Use up-and-down movements, not horizontal movements. To clean the inner surfaces of the front teeth more easily, place the toothbrush head vertically and make small gentle up-and-down movements with the front part of the toothbrush head. Do not forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath. Remember that proper brushing lasts about 2 to 3 minutes. After brushing, complete your oral hygiene routine with a children’s mouthwash.
FLUORIDE AND FLUORIDATION
Fluoride (F) is a natural mineral element. Its contribution to reducing tooth decay has been proven invaluable.
How does fluoride protect our teeth?
Fluoride has the unique ability to make enamel less soluble to the acids produced by bacteria, making it more resistant. Additionally, fluoride can repair early-stage damage by remineralizing the enamel.
Main sources of fluoride intake:
Toothpaste and mouthwashes containing fluoride. Fluoridation by the dentist. Food sources, mainly tea (black or green), fish (sardines, mackerel, tuna), and seafood (shrimp).
Fluoridation by the Dentist
Fluoridation in a dental office is done by applying fluoride gel or fluoride varnish directly onto the teeth. In the case of fluoride gel, a special tray is filled with the gel and applied to the dried teeth for one minute. This preventive treatment is suitable for both children and adults with a high risk of cavities, root decay, or root sensitivity.
Limitations – Risks
Fluoride is safe and effective when used correctly and not excessively. Excessive fluoride intake in children often leads to fluorosis, resulting in white or brown stains on the teeth. This usually occurs in children who swallow toothpaste or misuse other fluoride products. In adults, excessive fluoride intake can lead to bone changes, making them more fragile. In severe cases, it can cause movement difficulties, deformed bones, and an increased risk of fractures.
SEALANTS (PREVENTIVE FILLINGS FOR PITS AND FISSURES)
If we observe our teeth, we will notice that they are not composed of smooth, flat surfaces but have deep grooves, pits, and fissures. In 70% of cases, cavities start in these areas because they trap bacteria. Scientific research has shown that even the most thorough brushing cannot completely remove bacteria trapped within the fissures of chewing surfaces. In other words, the natural irregularities of teeth provide an ideal shelter for bacteria. Sealants effectively address this serious cavity problem.
What are sealants?
Sealants are thin coatings that cover the grooves and fissures of teeth, preventing bacterial accumulation in these vulnerable areas.
How are they applied?
The application process for sealants is simple, completely painless, and does not require any tooth drilling or local anesthesia. First, the tooth surface is prepared, and then the sealant material, initially in liquid form, is applied and hardened using a special light device.
The protection provided by sealants in the areas they are applied reaches 100%. Regular dental check-ups and replacement of worn or lost sealants ensure continued protection.
DIET
When we consume sugary foods, acids form on the tooth surface that erode the outer enamel layer.
Cavities are not caused only by sweets but by any food containing added sugar, even in small amounts.
On the other hand, natural sugars found in fresh foods, such as fruits, do not significantly contribute to cavities.
WHAT TO DO – WHAT TO AVOID
- The total amount of sweets consumed is less important than the frequency of consumption. It is better to eat sweets all at once rather than snacking on them throughout the day.
- Many processed foods (not just sweets) contain added sugar. It is advisable to read food labels and avoid those with added sugars (in the form of glucose, fructose, sucrose, etc.).
- Sweets that stay in the mouth for a long time, such as candies and chewing gum, as well as sticky foods like Turkish delights and nougat, cause more damage by prolonging sugar exposure on the teeth.
- Sugar substitutes found in certain soft drinks, candies, etc., do not cause cavities.
TRAUMATIC INJURIES
What if my child falls and injures a tooth?
First, keep the child (and yourself) calm. Then, check how severe the injury is.
If the tooth is on the floor, what should I do?
Avoid touching the root of the tooth and hold it by the crown. Do not clean it with your hands or a cloth. Place the tooth in an appropriate transport medium and go to the dentist as quickly as possible.
What is the best transport medium?
The best options for transporting a knocked-out tooth, in order of priority, are:
- Cold whole milk
- Saline solution
- Saliva (inside the child’s mouth)
- Water (if none of the above are available)
The tooth is in the proper transport medium. What now?
Go to the dentist as soon as possible. Remember that the faster the tooth is treated, the greater the chance of saving it. If the tooth is re-implanted within the first two hours, there is a high probability it can be preserved.
What if only a piece of the tooth is broken? Should I still go to the dentist?
Yes! And if possible, keep the broken piece. In some cases, the dentist may be able to reattach it. If the gums or the tooth itself are bleeding, prompt treatment increases the chances of preserving the tooth. Remember, even if no tooth is visibly broken or lost, the child should still visit the dentist to check for any hidden damage in the mouth.