Treatment of caries of a milk tooth

Caries – the most common dental disease that affects the majority of children’s dental patients. A feature of the course of the disease in children is the rapid, often rapid development of the disease in the growing organism and its complex impact.

What does caries look like in children?

The initial stage of disease development, in which the upper layer of enamel is affected, is called superficial caries. At this stage, the child complains of pain when eating sour, sweet, cold or hot foods. For the treatment of surface caries, it is enough to remove the affected enamel and apply a fluorine-containing agent, which will protect the enamel and help it fully recover.

With central caries, you can already see a dark area shining through the enamel or a dark cavity in the tooth. At this stage, in addition to enamel, dentin is damaged, and the tooth reacts sharply to temperature changes and sweets. Treatment of central caries requires removal of damaged tissues and filling of the tooth.

With deep caries, the deep layers of the dentin are damaged, and the child feels long-lasting pain when food hits the carious surface. Treatment also consists of removing the damaged tissue and filling the tooth.

Reasons for the development of children’s caries

The main reason for the development of caries in children is bacteria living in the oral cavity. They secrete acids that contribute to the destruction of tooth enamel and the development of the disease.

Factors that increase the risk of caries are considered to be:

• genetic predisposition;
• congenital defects of tooth enamel;
• insufficient or irregular oral hygiene;
• unhealthy diet;
• deficiency of minerals in the body;
• weakened immunity;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• metabolic disorders.

Stages of caries development in children

In children, caries can develop faster than in adults. That is why it is so important to monitor the condition of the teeth and carry out treatment in the early stages.

There are 4 stages of caries development:

• carious spot – manifests itself as small spots on the enamel that darken over time;
• surface caries – accompanied by enamel demineralization, the tooth begins to react to cold and hot;
• medium caries – the destruction affects the dentin (the inner part of the tooth), a carious cavity is formed;
• deep caries – the disease affects all layers of the tooth and reaches the pulp (soft tissues through which blood vessels and nerves pass).

Types of caries in children

Caries can develop in different areas of the tooth. Depending on the point of origin, it is divided into several types:

• fissure – develops on the upper part of the tooth, in anatomical recesses;
• proximal – located on the lateral surfaces, i.e. between the teeth;
• cervical – appears in the lower part of the tooth, which is adjacent to the gums.

How dangerous is caries for children

Caries in children can progress much faster than in adults, so its treatment should not be delayed in any case.
Possible consequences of caries include:

• periodontitis and pulpitis as a result of advanced caries;
• problems with the digestive system (heartburn, gastritis);
• the constant presence of a focus of infection affecting the entire body;
• the process of eating becomes painful and unpleasant.

A timely visit to a children’s dentist will help preserve the child’s beautiful smile and good health.

Treatment of dental caries

Several different methods are used to treat caries of milk teeth and prevent the spread of this virus, in particular:

• silvering – application of silver ions to the carious spot (they have antibacterial properties and prevent the spread of the disease);
• fluoridation – covering tooth enamel with fluorovarnish to prevent its destruction;
• remineralization – covering the teeth with a preparation based on fluorine, calcium and other minerals that contribute to the restoration and strengthening of enamel;
• removal of tissues damaged by caries and tooth filling.

The first 3 methods are used only in the early stages of caries. If it has reached the dentin (medium and deep), then the tooth must be cleaned and sealed. The procedure is carried out using local anesthesia, but if there are indications, it is possible to use sedation (medicated sleep).

“NOWA” dentists perform dental treatment for children using modern game techniques. To make the procedure more attractive to the child, a colored filling can be placed on the baby tooth.

Treatment of caries of permanent teeth in children

Treatment of caries on permanent teeth for children is carried out in the same way as for adults. First, the dentist removes the damaged tissues of the tooth, trying to preserve the healthy ones as much as possible, and then applies the filling material.

With deep caries and damage to the pulp, it may be necessary to clean the canals of the tooth and remove the nerves. This procedure is carried out in two stages. At the first appointment, the dentist removes caries, cleans the canals and places medicine in them, after which he installs a temporary filling. After 3-7 days, if nothing bothers the patient, the temporary filling is removed and a permanent filling is placed.

“NOWA” most often uses composite and photopolymer fillings. They are characterized by high strength and serve more than 10-15 years, and thanks to a wide palette of colors, they allow you to achieve the maximum aesthetic result.

What is bottle caries?

Caries, which develop in children at an early age, is called bottle caries. Its main cause is considered to be frequent breastfeeding or bottle feeding, after which milk bacteria remain on the teeth. They secrete organic acids that destroy tooth enamel, which leads to the development of caries. Most often, it appears on the front teeth and initially looks like small spots of a yellowish shade.

Bottle caries can appear in a child as early as 6-8 months. Its main danger is the rapid destruction of enamel and its spread to neighboring teeth.

How to prevent the development of caries in a child?

It is recommended to prevent caries in children:

• monitor regular oral hygiene of the child;
• adjust the diet and limit the amount of sweets;
• once every six months, bring the child to the dentist for a preventive examination.

Also, for the prevention of caries, fissures are sealed – covering the upper part of the tooth with a special solution that prevents deposition of plaque in its recesses and, accordingly, destruction.

Fluoridation or remineralization of teeth has a similar effect. These procedures contribute to the strengthening of enamel and the formation of a protective film.