Tooth decay is one of the common dental diseases in children. Many parents believe that just having their children brush their teeth regularly and limiting candies is enough to prevent tooth decay. However, in reality, many children still experience this condition even though they are cared for quite carefully.
According to Dr. Arundeep Singh, Principal of Manav Rachna College of Dentistry (India), there are many reasons why children are more prone to tooth decay than adults. One of the important factors is the amount of sugar in many foods and drinks for children. Sugar creates conditions for harmful bacteria in the oral cavity to develop, thereby increasing the risk of tooth decay.
In addition, awareness of oral hygiene in many families is still limited. Many parents only pay attention to oral hygiene when their children have grown enough milky teeth or when abnormal signs appear. Meanwhile, oral care needs to be done early to reduce the risk of dental diseases.
Tooth decay is a disease caused by bacteria in the oral cavity. Both beneficial and harmful bacteria exist in the mouth. When harmful bacteria develop excessively, they will create acid that damages tooth enamel and gradually form cavities on the surface of the teeth.
Not only candies or soft drinks, many other snacks can also contribute to increasing the risk of tooth decay. Products such as french fries, snacks or processed foods often contain a lot of easily digestible starch. After eating, these carbohydrates are broken down into sugar in the oral cavity, creating conditions for bacteria to grow.
The risk of tooth decay not only depends on the type of food but also on the frequency of eating. If children regularly snack during the day or hold food in their mouth for too long, their teeth will be exposed to acid for longer, increasing the risk of enamel damage.
In addition to diet, improper oral hygiene is also a noteworthy factor. Young children often do not have effective brushing skills, while many parents do not supervise or support their children adequately. This makes plaque and bacteria easily accumulate on the surface of the teeth.
Experts recommend that parents should build oral care habits for children from an early age, limit sugary foods, reduce snacking and take children to dental check-ups periodically. Most cases of tooth decay can be prevented if children are properly cleaned and maintain a reasonable diet from a young age.
