Dental caries in children (cavities) is a disease caused by bacteria in dental plaque, which occurs when there is an imbalance in the oral microbiome, inadequate self-cleaning of teeth, and acidic saliva pH. The bacteria produce acids that demineralize the tooth structure, leading to tooth decay, initially appearing as a white spot and later progressing to cavities.

Primary teeth have a significant impact on a child’s face, determining its shape and height, and affecting jaw development. Children use their primary teeth to bite and chew food, which ensures proper functioning of the digestive system.

The first primary teeth erupt at 6-8 months, and by the age of three, a child has all twenty primary teeth. Some primary teeth exfoliate between the ages of 6 and 12.

There are two main forms of dental caries in children:

• Early Childhood Caries, also known as bottle caries. This is extensive decay of primary teeth, which occurs on recently erupted teeth. “Bottle caries” typically begins in the front teeth area and spreads. This form of caries occurs when young children are given sweetened drinks, juices, or milk before sleep. Nighttime feeding with milk or sweetened beverages also contributes to this condition. It is important to emphasize that breastfeeding does not cause “bottle caries.” Breast milk contains lactoferrins and immunoglobulins that have preventive effects.
• Common dental caries in primary teeth. These are isolated, nonsymmetrical caries lesions that typically occur on contacting or occlusal surfaces.

Proper nutrition with a balanced diet rich in nutrients and minerals, along with an ecologically friendly lifestyle, as well as care and treatment of primary teeth, are excellent preventive measures against dental caries in permanent teeth. If primary teeth are left untreated, children may experience pain, disruption of their diet, sleep disturbances, emotional problems, and infectious processes that can affect developing permanent teeth. Early loss of primary teeth often necessitates orthodontic treatment.

Conservative treatment. When initial dental caries lesions (white spots without cavities) are diagnosed by the dentist, we use conservative treatment methods that involve the application of remineralizing agents.

Radical treatment. When caries is active, progressing, and conservative methods are ineffective, cavities develop in the affected teeth. In such cases, we remove the damaged tissues and restore the cavities with filling materials. In pediatric dental treatment, we widely employ a cognitive therapy approach called “tell-show-do.” This technique helps children overcome fear of the dentist and creates a friendly and trust-based relationship between the child and the dentist.

• Extended period of breastfeeding.
• Healthy diet and lifestyle for both mother and child.
• Avoiding feeding with bottle or sweet drinks before sleep or during sleep after teeth have erupted.
• Correction of harmful habits (pacifier use, thumb sucking, mouth breathing during sleep).
• Quality tooth brushing twice a day for 2-3 minutes using proper brushing technique.
• Regular preventive visits to the dentist (every 6-12 months).
• Application of sealants on permanent teeth in cases of moderate to high risk of decay.

• Tooth cleaning should start as soon as the first tooth erupts.
• Parents should clean or supervise tooth cleaning for children up to 7-8 years old.
• Proper tooth brushing technique should be taught by a dentist or professional oral hygienist.
• Teeth should be brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush and organic toothpaste. The dentist or oral hygienist will recommend oral health care products based on the specific situation.
• The duration of tooth brushing should be 2-3 minutes.
• Dental floss is recommended for children from the age of three.
• Rinsing with mouthwash is not recommended for children under 6 years old. In cases of high risk of decay, mouth rinses can be recommended for children older than 6 years old after consulting with a dentist.