Baby teeth and dental caries in children – What you need to know!

What You Should Know About Baby Teeth and Tooth Decay in Children

Hello, caring parents! I’m Dr. Radu Fulga, pediatric dentistry specialist at DentAngelo, and today I’d like to talk about one of the most common dental problems in children: tooth decay in baby teeth. We’ll discuss what baby teeth are and why dental caries occur in children.

First of all, most first-time parents try to absorb as much information as possible about what lies ahead. Parenting is no easy task and involves time spent learning and researching. When it comes to pediatric dentistry, parents are very careful in choosing the right dental clinic.

The first visit to the dentist is important because it can set the emotional comfort level for future dental appointments. So, let’s take a look at the characteristics of baby teeth and how tooth decay in children can be treated. You’ll discover some interesting and, hopefully, useful things to help manage your child’s oral health.

Baby Teeth and Tooth Decay in Children

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth. These temporary teeth are vulnerable to tooth decay, which must be addressed with care, patience, and gentleness.

Baby teeth begin to erupt around the age of 6 months and will continue to appear until about 3 years old. In some children, teeth erupt earlier or later. A child will have around 20 baby teeth. Regular check-ups allow the dentist to closely monitor the development of these teeth.

Why Are Baby Teeth Important in the Early Years?

• Chewing: Baby teeth help children chew food properly and support healthy digestion.
• Communication Skills: Baby teeth play a role in speech development, helping kids pronounce sounds correctly.
• Space for Permanent Teeth: Baby teeth hold the space for future permanent teeth. Dentists carefully monitor this spacing to ensure a healthy smile later on.

Many parents wonder whether it’s necessary to treat cavities in baby teeth, knowing that they will eventually fall out.

The answer is a definite YES! Here’s why:

• Preventing Pain and Infections: Untreated cavities can lead to severe pain and infections that impact the child’s overall health.
• Proper Development of Permanent Teeth: Baby teeth maintain space and guide permanent teeth into the correct position. Cavities and premature loss of baby teeth can cause alignment issues.
• Building Good Dental Habits: Early treatments and regular dental visits help children develop strong oral hygiene habits, essential for long-term dental health.

To prevent tooth decay in children, it’s important to ensure a healthy diet, encourage brushing twice a day, and schedule regular dental check-ups.

Tooth Decay in Children Is a Major Global Issue

Here are some of the key factors that contribute to tooth decay in children:

Poor oral hygiene: The child doesn’t follow a twice-a-day brushing routine—morning and evening.

A diet high in sugary foods and drinks: As you already know, frequent consumption of sugar-rich products contributes significantly to cavities.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tooth decay is the most common dental issue in children. Over 530 million children worldwide are affected by cavities in their baby teeth.

The National Institute of Public Health in Romania published a 2022 study showing that 70% of children aged 5 to 7 suffer from cavities in their baby teeth. Another study by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that all children visit the dentist by the age of 1.

If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation for your little one, don’t hesitate to contact us.

We’re here to ensure healthy and happy smiles for all children.