Short answer: Tooth decay in children can largely be prevented by reducing how often sugary foods and drinks are consumed, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth, using an age-appropriate amount of toothpaste, having fissure sealants applied to suitable teeth and fluoride varnish as recommended by the dentist, and going to regular dental checkups. Not giving milk or fruit juice in a bottle at night is also important.
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, but it is also one of the easiest to prevent. A cavity that starts in a baby tooth can lead to pain, infection and problems with eating and sleeping; early tooth loss can also affect the alignment of the permanent teeth. Reducing the risk of tooth decay in children does not require expensive or complicated methods. Good eating habits, regular brushing, fluoride and timely dental checkups usually provide sufficient protection.
In this guide we have gathered in one place why cavities are so common in children and the steps families can take at home and at the clinic.
Why is tooth decay so common in children?
The main reason cavities are common in children is that the enamel of baby teeth is thinner than that of permanent teeth, and frequent exposure to sugary foods affects this thin surface more quickly. Bacteria in the mouth use sugar to produce acid; this acid causes the tooth surface to lose minerals, and over time a cavity forms.
There are other factors that make children more vulnerable:
- Brushing skills that are not yet developed
- Frequent snacking and sugary drinks throughout the day
- Being given milk, fruit juice or sugary drinks in a bottle at night
- Newly erupted permanent molars having deep grooves
- Cavity-causing bacteria being passed from parents to the child, for example by sharing the same spoon
In baby teeth, decay sometimes progresses very quickly, and at the first stage it appears only as dull white spots along the gum line. When these spots are noticed, early intervention can stop the decay from progressing.
How do diet and sugar affect tooth decay?
The most important dietary factor that determines the risk of cavities is how often sugar is consumed rather than the total amount. After each sugary snack the mouth stays acidic for a while; snacking often during the day gives the tooth no chance to repair itself.
Here are practical tips you can apply at home:
- Establish a meal routine: It is less harmful to give desserts and sugary foods right after main meals rather than as separate snacks.
- Make water the main drink: Water should be the go-to for thirst instead of fruit juice, fizzy drinks and sweetened dairy drinks.
- Drop the nighttime bottle: Putting a child to sleep with a bottle full of milk or fruit juice can lead to widespread decay known as "baby bottle tooth decay."
- Watch out for hidden sugars: Ready-made fruit yogurts, cookies, breakfast cereals and some packaged "healthy" snacks can contain more sugar than expected.
- Limit sticky foods: Foods that stick to the teeth, such as Turkish delight, caramel and dried fruit, stay in the mouth longer.
Foods such as cheese, vegetables, eggs and whole-grain products are more suitable snack options for both general health and dental health.
Another issue that can be overlooked is sugary syrups and sports drinks used over long periods. If your child takes syrup medicine regularly, without stopping the medication your doctor recommended, rinsing the mouth with water afterwards and, if possible, giving it before the nighttime brushing can help protect the teeth. Sports drinks are generally unnecessary for children who do not exercise intensely; water is enough in most cases.
Why are brushing and fluoride important?
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is the most effective and easiest way to prevent cavities in children. Fluoride makes tooth enamel more resistant to acids and helps repair early-stage mineral loss.
Amount of toothpaste by age
- From the first tooth to age 3: A rice-grain-sized, thin smear of fluoride toothpaste
- Ages 3-6: A pea-sized amount of toothpaste
- Over age 6: A pea-sized amount of age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste
Good brushing habits
- Brush for about two minutes in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed.
- Spitting out the toothpaste after brushing is enough; rinsing the mouth with lots of water can reduce the effect of the fluoride.
- Nothing other than water should be eaten or drunk after brushing at night.
- Children generally cannot clean their teeth well enough on their own until about age 7-8; until this age, it is recommended that an adult does or checks the brushing.
- Once the teeth start touching each other, dental floss can be used to clean between them, as recommended by the dentist.
Fluoride varnish applied at the clinic is a concentrated protective layer painted onto the tooth surfaces. How often it is applied is determined by the dentist according to the child's risk of cavities.
What are fissure sealants and who are they for?
A fissure sealant is a thin, flowable protective material that seals the deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of the molars. These grooves are areas that toothbrush bristles cannot fully reach and where decay most often starts.
Fissure sealants are usually recommended in the following cases:
- The first permanent molars, which start to erupt at around age 6
- The second permanent molars, which erupt at around age 12
- Some grooved baby molars in children with a high risk of cavities
The procedure does not require numbing or drilling the tooth. After the tooth surface is cleaned and dried, the material is applied and hardened with a special light. Because fissure sealants can wear down over time, their condition is assessed at checkup appointments and they are renewed if necessary. A fissure sealant does not replace brushing; it only provides an extra layer of protection.
How often should regular checkups take place?
A child's first dental visit should take place when the first tooth erupts or by their first birthday at the latest; after that, checkups should generally continue every 6 months. For children with a high risk of cavities, the dentist may recommend more frequent checkups.
The benefits of regular checkups starting at an early age are:
- Spotting early cavities before a filling is needed
- Teaching the family oral care suited to the child's age
- Determining the need for fluoride varnish and fissure sealants
- Seeing problems with tooth development and alignment early
- Helping the child get used to the clinic environment and reducing fear of the dentist
During checkups, tooth alignment and jaw development are also monitored. If deemed necessary, a referral is made for an orthodontic assessment at a later age. For other frequently asked questions about children's dental health and treatments, you can take a look at our frequently asked questions page.
Should decay in baby teeth be treated?
Yes; cavities should not be neglected just because baby teeth will fall out anyway. Untreated decay can cause pain, abscesses and infection, and can harm the development of the permanent tooth underneath. Baby teeth that have to be extracted early can also cause neighboring teeth to drift and lead to space problems later. Depending on the size of the cavity, options such as a filling, root canal treatment for the baby tooth or a crown are considered.
Children's dental checkups in Ankara
If you have noticed discoloration, white spots, sensitivity to hot and cold or discomfort while eating in your child's teeth, it is a good idea to schedule an examination without waiting for the next routine checkup. At our clinic in Park Oran Ofis in Oran, Çankaya, your child's oral health is assessed and the preventive steps to be taken at home are planned together with the family.
Frequently asked questions
When should you start brushing a baby's teeth?
Brushing should start as soon as the first baby tooth appears in the mouth. At this stage, a soft baby toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste are enough. Brushing should be done twice a day by an adult.
Is it harmful if my child swallows toothpaste?
When an age-appropriate amount is used, that is, a rice-grain-sized amount for young children and a pea-sized amount over age 3, occasionally swallowing it usually causes no problems. Brushing should be done under adult supervision, and toothpaste should be stored out of the child's reach.
How long do fissure sealants last?
In most cases, fissure sealants can stay on the tooth for several years, but they can wear down or partially chip off over time due to chewing forces. For this reason, their condition is checked at routine checkups and they are renewed if necessary.
Does decay in a baby tooth affect the permanent tooth?
It can. Advanced decay in baby teeth can lead to infection and affect the structure of the permanent tooth developing underneath. In addition, early loss of a baby tooth can disrupt the alignment of the permanent teeth. For this reason, it is recommended that decay in baby teeth be treated as well.
