MAINTAINING good oral health is crucial for our overall well-being, and dental cavities are among the most common oral health issues people face. Dental cavities or tooth decay can have significant consequences if left untreated.

Dental cavities are caused from a combination of factors, including bacteria in the mouth, lots of sugary and starchy foods, and poor oral (or mouth) hygiene. When foods containing carbohydrates such as candy, cookies, soda, milk, cake, fruit juices, and bread are left behind on the teeth, the bacteria that normally live in your mouth interacts with these foods to make an acid. The bacteria plus the food, the acid and saliva combine to form plaque which gets stuck on the teeth. Over time, the acids can eventually cause the enamel (the outer layer of your tooth) to weaken and erode, causing cavities. Other factors that can contribute to cavity formation are inadequate fluoride exposure and conditions affecting saliva production.

If left untreated, dental cavities can lead to serious health conditions. When cavities worsen, they can reach deep into the tooth causing pain, teeth sensitivity and tooth loss. Not only do cavities look unpleasant, but they can also cause bad breath. Cavities can also lead to abscess formation in the mouth, and damage to the bones of your jaw.

The bacteria in the mouth may travel from the mouth, enter the blood stream and cause an infection in other parts of the body.

Dental cavities can hinder medical procedures, especially surgeries. If cavities are present, there is an increased risk of complications like infections in the heart and blood stream.

In fact, if your child has a heart condition which requires a cardiac procedure or surgery, we cannot perform the procedure unless all dental cavities are sorted. I have seen many children waiting on cardiac procedures because they have dental cavities. There have been cases of young children with underlying heart conditions ending up in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), needing to be attached to a machine to help them breathe because of complications from dental cavities.

Dental cavities increase the risk of developing infective endocarditis, which is a serious infection affecting the lining of the heart, sometimes causing small growths inside the heart. If your child develops this condition, they will have to be admitted and treated in the hospital with antibiotics given in their vein for six weeks! They may even need surgery to remove the growths inside the heart. Children with underlying heart conditions may need to take antibiotics before dental procedures to help prevent this heart infection.

So, parents and guardians, take care of your children’s teeth with these tips:

– For young babies, clean baby’s gums with a clean wet rag. This introduces them to teeth brushing in their near future.

– Start brushing teeth once baby’s first tooth erupts using a soft, small toothbrush

– Use non-fluoride toothpaste to brush baby’s teeth (they can’t spit out the toothpaste; fluoride toothpaste shouldn’t be swallowed)

– For children younger than three, use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste.

– Once they understand how to spit out the toothpaste and won’t swallow, use a pea sized amount

– Brush teeth for 2 minutes, making sure to clean all teeth and surfaces including gums

(I know they may be challenging, but they’ll get used to it eventually. You can make it fun by singing a tooth brushing song, and allowing them to “help” brush their teeth. There are also electrical toothbrushes that have a 2 minute timer)

– Brush teeth twice a day

– Floss teeth regularly after age two

– Brush the tongue as well, or get a tongue scraper

– After brushing teeth before bed, nothing to eat or drink except water- including babies who have a bottle at bedtime

– Supervise children brushing teeth until about age eight

– Limit sugary snacks and drinks!! Ensure children eat a well-balanced diet

-First visit to the dentist should be once a tooth erupts.

What can you look for to check if your child is developing or has tooth decay?

The teeth may start to develop white spots or brownish areas. As the cavity worsens, the brown colour becomes darker. Your child may complain of teeth sensitivity to certain foods like sweets, or can’t tolerate hot or cold foods, pain in the mouth or the jaw, or no symptoms at all.

If the dentist suspects dental cavities, they will do X-rays of the affected tooth to determine how to treat the cavity. Cavities can be treated with fillings, or they need to be extracted (or pulled out).

Dr Tal’s Tidbit

Dental cavities are a common and preventable health condition and may result in serious complications if left untreated. Prevention starts with good dental hygiene, and early detection and treatment to prevent further damage. A well-balanced diet including limiting sugary and starchy food can help to prevent tooth decay.

Dr Taleya Girvan has over a decade’s experience treating children at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, working in the Accident and Emergency Department and Paediatric Cardiology Department. Her goal is to use the knowledge she has gained to improve the lives of patients by increasing knowledge about the health-care system in Jamaica. Dr Tal’s Tidbits is a series in which she speaks to patients and caregivers, providing practical advice that will improve health care for the general population. Email: dr.talstidbits@gmail.com IG @dr.tals_tidbits