3 Common causes of dental caries in children

Of the many dental problems in children, cavities or dental caries are one of the most common. Dental caries in children can occur at any age, but what are the causes?

Dental caries in children is caused by their habit

It is easy for young children to experience caries who are negligent in keeping their teeth clean. In general, dental caries in children is caused by:

1. Bottle feed

Young children, especially infants and toddlers, find it very difficult to stop breastfeeding from a bottle or sippy cup even to school age.

So sometimes, they can fall asleep while breastfeeding. If this habit continues, the residue of milk or other sweet drinks such as sweet tea or juice can stick and lodged in the child's teeth for a long time. The sugar attached to the teeth then becomes a food target for bacteria to grow and develop.

Over time, bacteria will form plaque and produce acid which erodes the tooth enamel layer (the outer part of the tooth). The combination of plaque and the enamel layer that slowly begins to dissipate which results in cavities. This condition is called bottle caries.

Apart from bottles, bottle caries can also occur in children who are still breastfeeding.

2. Hobbies eat sweet foods and drinks

The majority of children will generally choose sweet foods and drinks such as candy, biscuits, cakes, chocolate, milk, juice, ice cream, and others as snacks in their spare time.

Without realizing it, the sugar from these foods and drinks will become delicious food for bacteria to grow and produce acids.

The more acid, the faster the tooth enamel is eroded, the faster the decay will occur. As a result, cavities or dental caries appear in children.

3. Toothbrush rarely

Lazy to brush your teeth twice a day (morning and night before going to bed), and especially after eating something sweet, will make the bacteria feel more comfortable living on the child's teeth. So don't be surprised if your child's teeth can quickly rot, turn black, and eventually become hollow.

That's why it's important for you to start teaching children the importance of keeping their teeth and mouth clean from an early age.