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Tooth decay is one of those unpleasant surprises that can come out of nowhere—especially where children are concerned. It can start off slowly, then become a huge amount of pain, and even infection or loss of tooth, if you don’t catch it.
Thankfully, with knowledge and early intervention, tooth decay can be mostly avoided – and even reversed. So, let’s begin!
Tooth Decay Causes in Children?
As far as child tooth decay goes, sugar is just the tip of the iceberg. The real tooth decay causes in children are the bacteria in your child’s mouth. The bacteria feed on any remaining sugar and starches after your child eats or snacks, and then spit out acid as a waste product. This acid, accumulating slowly over time, dissolves the enamel on your child’s teeth and causes decay.
Book your FREE consultationHabits That Put Teeth at Risk on a Daily Basis
•Sweets – Sweets are not candy in this case, but sweet cereals or anything sweet that gets stuck between their teeth.
• Brushing/flossing incorrectly – When brushing their teeth children almost always leave areas of their teeth where plaque can form and rot can occur.
• Eating sweet drinks at night – Milk is a fine food provided that it is limited to meals and not taken before bedtime. Juice or soda is worse drunk in the evening.
• Minimum or no fluoride consumption – Fluoride is important as it makes the enamel hard. Hard enamel combined with good habits protects teeth. In the absence of fluoride, there are fewer barriers against cavities.
What they eat is not nearly as important as how often they eat it, and how thoroughly they brush their teeth.
Early Tooth Decay Signs That Are Not to Be Missed
Like we mentioned earlier, tooth decay is not always painful. In fact, you will overlook some of the first signs of tooth decay. Use these simple steps the next time you brush your child’s teeth.
Tooth Decay Signs
• White spots on or close to the gumline – These are the initial visible signs of the decay process and they tell you that the enamel is starting to break down.
• Brown or black discoloration – This darkening of the color may be pointing towards the decay process following the breakdown of the enamel.
• Cold or sweet sensitivity – If your child is experiencing issues with foods or reports pain, it could be the result of some exposed dentin.
• Persistent bad breath – Bad breath can be an indicator of decay or infection.
• Pits or holes in teeth – While not every child will show signs of tooth decay on the outside, it is one of many reasons that we suggest regular trips to the dentist—even when all is well.
Treatment Options for Tooth Decay in Children
When, for the first time, parents are told the word “cavity” about their child, it is understandable that they get worried. Luckily, children’s tooth decay treatment has come a long way in many aspects over the years, and the treatment is recommended depending on at what stage the decay is found.
Tooth Decay Treatment for Kids
• Kind of treatments with fluoride – In the very initial stages, fluoride varnishes prove to be useful for re-strengthening enamel.
• Fillings – For tiny and medium sized cavities, tooth colored fillings may be applied to restore damaged tooth structure and halt further decay.
• Pulp therapy or baby root canals – In case the decay is moving towards the pulp of the tooth, pulp therapy is utilized in a bid to eradicate the pain and save the tooth.
• Crown – Severe destruction of baby teeth can be reconstructed with cotton steel or tooth hue materials (crowns).
• Extraction – If there is no hope of keeping the tooth, extraction treatments are also offered (always the last option).
Tooth Decay Treatment Cost
One thing that many people are likely to wonder how expensive tooth decay treatment cost is. Of course, parents would like to know what they can expect – particularly if more than one tooth is affected.
A Review of Costs of Treatment
We at Partha Dental are proud to offer affordable yet quality treatment. The tooth decay treatment cost will depend on the extent of the decay and treatment- here’s an approximation:
| Treatment | Cost |
| Fluoride treatment | INR 300 – 800 per session |
| Fillings | INR 800 – 1,500 per tooth |
| Crowns | INR 1,500 – 3,500 depending on material |
| Pulp treatments | INR 1,500 – 3,000 per tooth |
| Extractions | INR 500 – ₨ 1,500 |
We have family dental plans and would be happy to help you arrange payments as painless as possible.
Preventing Tooth Decay – These few simple steps can make a big difference
Some of this wont is not to say that it isn’t easy to set kids up for success in preventing tooth decay. The story of your child’s mouth can be easily kept healthy with few simple habits. And with regular visits to the dentist’s office, you can have your child’s dazzling smile.
Tips for Prevention
• Brush two times per day with age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss with a floss product once a day – especially when the teeth start to touch.
• Try to limit snacks and sugary drinks, especially when you are not consuming a meal.
• Try to restrict bedtime bottle or sippy cup with juice or milk.
• Have regular dental check ups every six months.
Positive routine in brushing and visits to the dentist is fun, but it also provides children latitude to develop healthy habits for life.
When is it time to go to the dentist – trust your instincts!
If something is not right, (your child is not eating certain foods, they are complaining of toothache, you’ve seen some slight discoloration, etc.) it’s worth mentioning. Tooth decay won’t always present with pain but taking early action will save you time, money and distress.
Our team is here to assist you with sensitivity, clinical concern and direction along the way. Call us now – 04041420000 to schedule an appointment today, and we can stop cavities in their tracks and develop healthy strong teeth with your child.
7. FAQs
Q: How do I know if my child has early tooth decay?
It is important to look out for white spots along the gums, reaction to certain food/whitening, and schedule routine check-ups to help avoid decay accumulate that will remain unnoticed until decay develops.
Q: Is baby teeth worth any treatment at all?
Yes because untreated decay can lead to infection and affect the development of permanent teeth.
Q: Will the dental treatment hurt my child?
Dentistry these days is highly child-friendly. At Partha Dental we would use calming techniques, and, if necessary, local anesthetic can be used too.
Q: How does tooth decay happen in children who brush regularly?
Despite brushing every day, children can develop tooth decay. Eating too many snacks, drinking too many sugar-containing fluids, poor brushing, inadequate use of fluoride for their requirements and inadequate regular cleanings are reasons for decay. Read more
Disclaimer:
The prices mentioned in this blog are indicative and may vary based on the severity of the condition, technology used, and materials suggested by the Dentist. They are accurate as of the date of publishing and subject to change as per clinic policy. Third-party or AI-generated estimates may not reflect actual clinic pricing. For accurate costs, please visit your nearest Partha Dental clinic.
