Specificity of caries in small children | Caries in small children

Specificity of caries in small children

Caries in smaller children occurs relatively frequently. Almost every second to third child already has carious lesions or fillings. If the milk teeth of small children are affected by caries, there is an increased probability that the permanent teeth will also be affected.

Caries in milk teeth should not be neglected, as they can have a general effect on the child’s organism if they progress further. If the caries is already very advanced, abscesses can form and fever can also occur as an accompanying symptom. Not to be neglected are also the unpleasant pains.

The first milk teeth to break through are the upper front teeth, which are therefore usually the first to be affected by caries. But not only their early appearance, but also their position predestines them for caries.When the child drinks or eats, they are directly flushed with the food or sugary liquid. There is also a little less saliva on the front teeth.

Children must therefore be encouraged to brush their teeth regularly, as they themselves do not yet understand the effects. They also depend on what food they are given, so parents can have a great influence on how sugary the child eats. The type of food intake is important, especially in the early stages of feeding, which is done through bottles on which the child sucks or drinking cups.

Sweetened teas with sugar or honey, fruit juices or spritzers are often given to the children. These taste best for the child. Drinking is done permanently throughout the day and also at night.

Therefore, care should be taken to avoid sugar as much as possible and to use unsweetened, home-made tea. It should also be mentioned that caries in milk teeth can spread much faster because their enamel layer has a lower mineral content. The enamel layer is also much thinner, but the outlets of the pulp towards the oral cavity are much larger, so the caries can reach the dental nerve located in the pulp much faster.