All About Tooth Decay in Kids
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States reports that one in five children between five and 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. That tooth decay is common does not mean it’s insignificant, though. Tooth decay causes cavities that can cause pain and infections that interfere with kids’ comfort while eating, playing, speaking and even attending school. The good news, though, is that tooth decay is preventable. Here is what you need to know to understand how tooth decay is caused and prevented. What causes tooth decay in kids? There are five primary ways that children can develop tooth decay. Every mouth — including every kids’ mouth — contains millions of bacteria , but the higher the levels of bacteria are in a kids’ mouth, the more likely that child will develop tooth decay. Combined bacteria, acid, food and saliva produce plaque and acids that destroy the enamel on teeth. Harmful bacteria reproduce much more rapidly in children with xerosto