Loss of children’s tooth enamel is a common problem that requires special attention and care. In this article, the causes of the loss of children’s tooth enamel, prevention methods, and effective solutions to solve this problem will be discussed.
What is meant by tooth enamel?
Tooth enamel is a white and hard layer that covers the outermost part of the tooth. This layer causes consistency and resistance of teeth against pressure, heat, and corrosion effects. Tooth enamel is composed of hydroxyapatite, a crystalline mineral compound, and is one of the hardest biological structures in the human body.
This protective layer allows the tooth to be protected from various processes such as food retention, acidic effects, high temperature, and mechanical pressures. Therefore, maintaining the tooth enamel is very important to maintain the health of the mouth and teeth.
Symptoms of tooth enamel loss in children
Signs of tooth enamel loss in children may include the following:
- White spots or spots on the teeth: White spots or spots that appear on the surface of the teeth may be a sign of enamel destruction.
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods: Decreasing tooth enamel can increase tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks.
- Pain or swelling in the mouth: Enamel destruction can lead to inflammation and pain in the mouth and gums.
- Change in the shape or color of the teeth: If the enamel of the teeth is destroyed, the shape or color of the teeth may change.
- Vibration or fracture on the surface of the tooth: In severe cases of enamel destruction, the surface of the teeth may vibrate or even break.
Causes of tooth enamel loss in children
Causes of tooth enamel loss in children may include the following:
- Leaving food behind: Consuming sugary foods and eating acidic foods can lead to enamel decay and reduce the hardness of tooth enamel.
- Stomach acids: Frequent use of medications or having digestive problems can cause enamel decay and damage to teeth.
- Oral and gum diseases: Diseases such as inflammation or oral infections can lead to the destruction of enamel.
- Low Fluoride: Fluoride is a substance that helps enamel consistency. Lack of fluoride can cause weak enamel and damage to teeth.
- Genetic factors: Some people are genetically susceptible to problems related to teeth, including enamel.
- Accidents: Impacts or other accidents can cause enamel to break and destroy.
- Improper oral care: Not having proper oral hygiene, improper brushing or not using a mouth guard can lead to enamel decay and tooth destruction.
Please consult a dentist before making any dental health decisions.
Prevention of tooth enamel loss in children
To prevent the loss of children’s tooth enamel, you can consider the following measures:
- Regular oral care: Brush teeth twice a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride. Morning after breakfast and evening after dinner are the best times to brush your teeth.
- Consuming healthy foods: proper nutrition with the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products helps the consistency and health of tooth enamel. Avoid sweet and acidic foods as much as possible.
- Consumption of fluoride: drinking water containing fluoride, using toothpaste containing fluoride, and performing fluoride therapy in regular periods help the consistency of tooth enamel.
- Visit a pediatric dentist regularly to check the health of the teeth
- Use of a mouth guard: If necessary, use a special mouth guard to protect the teeth in contact sports or dangerous activities.
- Control sugar and sweets consumption: excessive consumption of sugar and sweets can lead to enamel decay and tooth decay. Try to reduce the consumption of these substances.
- Teaching children: Show your children how to brush their teeth properly and get them interested in oral care.
- Fluoride therapy and fissure slant therapy
By taking these preventive measures and careful dental care, you can prevent the loss of children’s tooth enamel.
Corrective solutions to solve the loss of children’s tooth enamel
Corrective solutions for lost enamel in children’s teeth include the following:
- Tooth extraction for the child and filling of the child’s tooth (if necessary): If the enamel destruction has spread to the inner part of the tooth and there is a threat to the tooth nerve, the tooth nerve will be opened and then filled to prevent infection and pain.
- Fluoride therapy and fissure slant therapy
- Dental cover (crown or bridge): In cases where the destruction of the enamel has reached such a level that the tooth needs to be strengthened and covered more, a crown or bridge can be used. This process gives more consistency and strength to the tooth.
In any case, consultation with a professional dentist in Kingston is very important to choose the best solution for repairing and improving the enamel of children’s teeth.