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What you need to know about tooth decay in children

Do you think teeth come in decayed?

Tooth decay is an infectious disease that disrupts the healthy condition of the mouth. For tooth decay to occur, the tooth must have erupted in the mouth, there must be decay-causing microorganisms present, and these microorganisms need to be regularly fed with food. Some families claim that their child’s teeth came in decayed. In reality, this is because the initial appearance of decay is white. If poor diet and lack of regular brushing to protect teeth from microorganisms continue, these white spots turn into brown or black cavities. Children who visit a pediatric dentist regularly can have these spots detected early by a specialist, and necessary precautions can be taken to prevent them from becoming cavities. In summary, teeth do not decay before they emerge. It’s just that the first appearance of decay, which is white, is often overlooked by parents, leading them to think that decay suddenly occurs. For decay to develop, teeth must have erupted.

Not all discolorations on teeth are decay!

Sometimes, as teeth emerge, they may appear yellow, brown, or black. This is more commonly seen in permanent teeth. These discolorations are developmental defects caused by genetic factors or external conditions that affected tooth formation. Sometimes, due to diet or certain medications, discolorations may appear on baby teeth. This can lead to aesthetic concerns or fear of social ridicule at any age. Families may mistake these discolorations for decay. In such cases, it’s important to consult a pediatric dentist to understand the cause and determine the necessary actions. Early consultation allows for easier and less costly treatment, providing comfort for both the child and the family.

Can tooth decay be genetic?

Tooth decay is not a genetic disease but an infectious disease caused by microorganisms. Therefore, decay is passed from parent to child not genetically, but through microorganisms and improper lifestyle habits. These microorganisms can be transmitted before the baby’s teeth emerge, such as when the mother or caregiver touches the baby’s bottle to their mouth to check the temperature, kisses the baby on the lips, or cleans a fallen pacifier with their own mouth. Since the child lives under the same conditions as the family, a lack of regular brushing habits or decay-causing dietary habits in the family usually means the child will adopt similar behaviors. In short, children’s teeth decay due to microorganisms transmitted by the family and the continuation of the family’s incorrect habits in the child. It is therefore important for parents to consult a pediatric dentist either before or shortly after the child’s birth to learn how to change their lifestyle to prevent tooth decay.

Pay attention to periods when babies are particularly prone to tooth decay!

Microorganisms that cause tooth decay can be transmitted by the mother or caregiver before the baby’s teeth emerge. However, the risk of transmission increases particularly between the ages of 19-31 months, when the number of baby teeth increases. For this reason, it is very important for the mother to pay attention to her own oral health and to take all necessary precautions to avoid transmitting these microorganisms to the baby.

“Without correcting our own wrong lifestyle, it’s impossible to protect our children from diseases.”

We are here to assist you with any questions and examinations.

Prof. Dr. Ayça Tuba Ulusoy

Yummy Teeth Children’s & Youth Oral and Dental Health Clinic

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