Dental caries, commonly termed as tooth decay, is the most common oral disease that affects children in their early age. It is alarming to point out that children as young as two years are suffering from severe caries.

The decay process can begin in children’s teeth within months of their eruption. Tooth decay not only affects the child’s oral health but also leads to general health problems in severe cases. This article will explore the causes of severe caries in two-year-old children.

Poor Diet

Poor dietary habits contribute significantly to tooth decay in children. A diet rich in sugary food and drinks allows bacteria to convert the sugar into acid that causes demineralization of the tooth’s enamel.

The enamel is the protective layer that covers a tooth’s crown. The more frequently the teeth are exposed to sugary food and drink, the more likely they are to become decayed.

Additionally, prolonged and frequent breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, especially during sleep, increases the child’s risk of developing caries.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene plays a vital role in preventing tooth decay. However, two-year-old children cannot clean their teeth properly. Parents and guardians have a responsibility to ensure proper cleaning of their children’s teeth from an early age.

Lack of brushing, flossing, and rinsing coupled with poor diet increases the risk of tooth decay.

Fluoride Deficiency

Fluoride has widely been recognized as a defense against tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks that cause decay. However, fluoride deficiency leads to a weakened enamel that is more prone to decay.

Children living in areas without fluoridated water or those who drink bottled water with a low fluoride concentration are more susceptible to tooth decay.

Genetics

Genetic factors also play a role in the development of severe caries in young children. Studies have shown that the occurrence of tooth decay runs in families, showing a link to genetic factors.

These factors affect the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful bacteria and may lead to a higher risk of decay.

Medical Issues

Some medical issues may lead to tooth decay in young children. Chronic illnesses can affect the body’s immune response, leading to an increased risk of developing tooth decay.

Medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also contribute to weakened enamel and tooth decay. Furthermore, some medications, such as antihistamines, may cause dry mouth, leading to increased bacteria growth, eventually causing decay.

Nursing to Sleep

Nursing infants to sleep or allowing them to sleep with a bottle is a common practice among new mothers. However, this habit prolongs exposure to sugary drinks and should be avoided.

The drinks pool around the child’s teeth, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay. The best approach is to ensure that infants learn to fall asleep without the assistance of bottle-feeding or breastfeeding.

Lack of Dental Care

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children visit a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth.

Regular dental checkups allow dentists to examine the child’s teeth for signs of tooth decay and provide proper treatment. Delaying dental visits may allow tooth decay to progress, leading to more complicated dental procedures such as tooth extraction.

Nonfluoridated Bottled Water

Many parents and guardians provide their children with bottled water. However, some bottled water brands do not contain fluoride. Prolonged consumption of bottled water with low fluoride levels increases the risk of tooth decay.

Parents should read the labels of bottled water brands to ensure that they contain enough fluoride concentration. If the fluoride levels are not adequate, parents should seek alternative water sources or supplement with fluoride drops after consultation with the child’s dentist.

Conclusion

Severe caries in two-year-old children is a concerning problem that can affect their overall health.

Preventing caries involves educating parents on proper diet and oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and ensuring that children have appropriate exposure to fluoride. With proper care, tooth decay can be prevented, and children can enjoy healthy and beautiful smiles.