In the human body, the tooth enamel is the hardest surface. With a mere 2.58mm thickness, the enamel comprises 95% minerals, phosphorous and primary calcium, 4% proteins, and 1 % water. The tooth enamels are irreparable, unlike other body parts. This hardest shield that protects the teeth throughout the lifetime can face problems. The tooth enamel is not completely developed in many cases of a kid’s dental issues. It causes kids to be prone to tooth erosion.
Tooth enamel saves the teeth against oral health issues like cavities and plaque. Without this, the teeth are vulnerable to gum disease, tooth decay, and even cavity.
Causes of Tooth Enamel Erosion in Kids
Before taking preventive steps for enamel erosion in kids, it is essential to understand the causes. There are multiple causes of tooth enamel loss. Some food materials like milk, candy, and fruit juices can cause excess bacteria in the mouth. The amalgamation of bacteria, food, saliva, and acid gives birth to plaque that leads to enamel loss at a later stage.
Tooth enamel erosion in kids can be due to several reasons:
- Poor oral health of kids during the first five years
- Poor nutrition in child
- Poor oral hygiene of mother during pregnancy
- Premature birth
- The mother takes certain medications during pregnancy
- Early childhood complications such as pneumonia
Symptoms of Tooth Enamel Erosion in Kids
The common symptoms of enamel erosion that can help you identify the problem are-
- Appearance of a cavity. i.e., light brown color teeth
- White spot on the affected tooth.
- Pain in the affected tooth
- Sensitivity in the tooth
Your dentist may diagnose the problem through dental x-rays, examining the mouth and state of teeth, or the child’s and mother’s dental history.
Weak enamel is more porous, eventually leading to enamel erosion at a fast pace.
Ways to Prevent Tooth Enamel Erosion in Kids?
Tooth enamel is the outer protective cover of the teeth, as you can see in the following image.
You can prevent Enamel Erosion in Kids by following these simple steps:
- Maintaining a good oral health regime. i.e., daily brush teeth and tongue with a fluoride paste.
- For the child below two years, floss is a good habit to maintain oral hygiene.
- For kids above three years, use rice grain-size toothpaste. For kids above 5, use pea-size toothpaste.
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Curb excess eating of chocolates, cold-drink, packed fruit juices, cakes, chips, and cookies.
- Pay a regular visit to kid’s dentistry for dental cleaning.
- Excluding possibilities of enamel erosion/poor oral health of the child straight during the pregnancy is a good option. It contributes mainly to eliminating complications in the child. A mindful diet during pregnancy is the best way to prevent it.
- Preventing tooth trauma in kids. It is also one of the major factors that cause dental problems in kids.
You might also like to read, Importance Of Dental Hygiene During Pregnancy
Treatment for Tooth Enamel Erosion
Since tooth enamel is the first and foremost line of tooth defense, it is very crucial to maintain its health. The treatment of tooth enamel erosion mainly depends on the degree of enamel damage and the kid’s age.
- The child may need a tooth extraction, bonding, fluoride treatment, or steel crowns. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate the gravity of the problem and suggest the best possible treatment.
- Your dentist can also suggest dental fillings treatment to repair the damage caused by the affected tooth. There are two kinds of fillings:
- Direct Restorations
The material used in the direct restoration treatment can comprise resin, silver, or acrylic acids. This process requires a single sitting.
- Indirect Restorations
The material used in the indirect restoration treatment comprises ceramics, composites, gold, or base metal alloys. This treatment requires more than two or more visits to the dentist, where inlays, onlays, bridges, crowns, and veneers can be used.
Conclusion
The best way to Prevent Enamel Erosion in Kids is to maintain a good diet and oral health in the child and mother during her pregnancy. Still, if your kids face dental problems due to weak enamel, consider visiting your dentist soon. Since the age is still young, a kids’ dentistry is the best place for timely and permanent treatment. If you are looking for the best kids’ dentist in Roswell, GA, or neighboring areas such as Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Marietta, Milton, Sandy Springs, or Woodstock, call (678) 321-7575 or visit our website to book an appointment today.