Tag Archives: Prevention of Tooth Decay in Children

Why are there white spots on my child’s teeth?

My son is a healthy, growing 14 month-old little boy. He is eating what he should be at this age and was breastfed for his first year. Recently, his front two teeth started to appear and have white spots on them. I haven’t seen this before and wondered if it is something I should have checked by a pediatric dentist, or mention it to my child’s pediatrician? I am not sure if this is something I should be concerned about, or if I should just let it be.

Thank you,
Abby

Dear Abby,

It is recommended by the American Dental Association that children visit a dentist for the first time after their first year of age and following the arrival of their first teeth. Typically, this is a quick visit to ensure that everything is developing as it should. It is not like that of an adult visit, which would normally include x-rays, a cleaning, and an exam. Most insurance companies cover this visit as a diagnostic visit and even have a  different billing code for it.

The spots you mention are somewhat concerning. Spots such as these are often times called decalcification spots, or signs of early decay.  They appear when minerals are removed from the tooth and it becomes exposed. Although this doesn’t mean she has a cavity, the exposure of the tooth can cause decay and lead to future cavities. It’s important that your child is seen by a pediatric dentist right away, as they may suggest fluoride treatments to strengthen the tooth and prevent future decay.

This decalcification is not typically seen in children this young and may be the cause of another issue. It’s important to take steps to care for your child’s teeth, but, at this point, it is too early to be seeing signs of decay. Therefore, it could be a problem with the development of your child’s teeth and you should work with your pediatric dentist, as well as your child’s doctor, to better determine the cause.

This post is sponsored by the office of Phoenix pediatric dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Why are silver fillings used with children?

I am a mom of three children under 10. Two of my three have had cavities in need of fillings. The pediatric dentist placed a silver filling for both children. I have also noticed that other children in our lives have silver fillings as well. As an adult, I know I would prefer a filling that matches the natural color of my teeth. I’m just wondering if there is some medical reason that the dentist uses the silver fillings on children?

Thank you,

Stacey

Dear Stacey,

Thank you for writing. There are several reasons pediatric dentists place silver fillings on children.

  1. Cost: Stainless steel or amalgam fillings cost less than the natural tooth-colored crowns, normally placed on adults. Because baby teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, dentists typically use this option, because these fillings are premade in various shapes and can be placed less expensively.
  2. Decreases number of visits: Because most young children are feeling wiggly, dentists often use nitrous oxide or an anesthesia before a procedure. Therefore, limiting the number of visits is important. This is another advantage to using the premade fillings.
  3. Strength and effectiveness: When a significant portion of the tooth structure is damaged or lost, it needs the full coverage and strength that the stainless steel provides.
  4. The tooth is protected longer: the stainless steel helps to prevent sensitivity, future decay and the need for repairs.

Recommended: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the stainless steel crowns. Therefore, dentists who place these on children are following the recommendation.

This post is sponsored by the office of Phoenix pediatric dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Preventing Tooth Decay in Toddlers

Recently a friend of mine told me that xylitol could prevent tooth decay in children. I have never heard of this product before and was wondering if someone can give me some insight to this and if it is possible to prevent cavities?

Thanks, Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,

Over the last several years there has been much research completed on this natural occurring sweetener called xylitol. Studies have shown that when toddlers receive 8 grams of xylitol two times a day a 70% reduction in tooth decay is prevented during primary tooth eruption. Even though xylitol is a sweetener is does not break down like sugar and keeps our mouths at a neutral ph level. Remember the more acidic our mouths become the enamel starts to erode causing tooth decay. Xylitol prevents the bacteria that causes cavities from sticking to our teeth therefore less plaque is formed.

Xylitol can be found in such products like chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, syrup, mints, candy, and nasal spray. You can find xylitol products at your local health food stores and even on the internet. Xylitol not only is effective in children but also adults in the prevention of tooth decay as well as keeping our gums healthy. Always remember that good oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, a healthy diet, as well as visiting your dentist for routine dental cleanings are the major keys in preventing tooth decay.

Post Courtesy of Peck Family Dentistry, P.C.