Introduction
The term infant is used to describe the life and learning phase of a human being up to the age of six. During this time, the little ones discover the many different things in the world, learn to speak and also the social role behavior begins to develop. But also externally many developmental steps take place.
In addition to growth, they learn to walk, their motor skills are refined and even their milk teeth break through. Like the later permanent teeth, these are well and sufficiently cared for to maintain them until the permanent teeth break through naturally. Unfortunately, however, they too are not protected against caries and can be affected by it.
What is caries?
The basis for the development of caries is plaque. Plaque is a sticky coating that adheres to the teeth. They develop as soon as you eat food.
Leftover food remains on the teeth and forms the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If not removed, plaque will establish itself after 24-36 hours. Plaque consists of living and dead microorganisms and their excrements.
Certain areas of the tooth are particularly susceptible to plaque because they are difficult to reach and have uneven surfaces. These include fissures, interdental spaces and gum margins. But how does caries develop on milk teeth?
In the existing plaque are, among other things, strains of streptococci, which convert the carbohydrates, i.e. the sugar, from the food. This produces lactic acid, which begins to attack and destroy the hard tooth substance, starting with the enamel. The first cavities are formed. The longer one leaves the caries untreated, the more it works its way through the tooth and decomposes more and more healthy substance, until at some point it reaches the pulp and spreads there, so that the tooth can die.
Cause
As with adults, the cause of caries development is usually a lack of oral hygiene. If the teeth are not brushed regularly and thoroughly, plaque remains on the teeth, the bacteria form their acid and the tooth is attacked. However, if plaque is removed, the bacteria have no breeding ground and cannot attack the tooth.
Five factors must be present for the caries to spread. These are the bacteria, a host (in this case the tooth), the plaque, enough carbohydrates for food and time. All factors, except the host factor, can be eliminated simultaneously with good oral hygiene.
Another cause that promotes tooth decay is a diet that is very rich in sugar and acid. The more sugar there is in the diet, the easier it is for caries to get its nutrients. Especially with children, it is important to ensure a healthy diet, not only to protect the teeth, but also to provide the child with enough vitamins and nutrients to allow a healthy development.
Besides the main factors mentioned above, there are also secondary factors. Among the secondary factors that promote the development of caries are the position of the teeth and also tooth malformations. Furthermore, the salivary flow and also its composition contribute to caries formation.
It has been proven that people who suffer from reduced salivary flow have an increased risk of caries. The saliva fulfils an important buffer function to keep the mouth pH neutral. What should not be forgotten in this context is the genetic component. Some children are naturally more likely to suffer from caries than others. Unfortunately, this factor cannot be influenced.
