Tooth decay leads to cavities. Carrie Derk, RDH, PHDHP, Dental Care Coordinator at Keystone Dental Care in Chambersburg shares how to prevent cavities and how cavities negatively impact children.
What are signs of decay? 
Early warning signs of decay are: white chalky spots (demineralization) along the gum line, sensitivity to sweets and cold and hot, dark spots in the grooves of teeth, visible holes or pits in teeth. As cavities progress the white chalky spots can turn dark yellow, brown or black areas.
Is decay common?
Although everyone has tooth decay, the statistics on children are alarming. Studies show infants who are in poverty, consume a diet high in sugar, and whose mothers have a low education level are more susceptible. Other studies suggest that almost 50 percent of children age 2 to 11 years old have cavities in primary teeth. Nearly one in four children entering kindergarten has at least one cavity.
Why are cavities and decay bad?
If left untreated decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss. When your mouth hurts, you cannot smile, chew food properly or concentrate at work or school. Decay in children can affect their growth, can cause pain, may lead to life threatening infections if not treated, and ultimately diminish their overall quality of life.
Dental fix
The fix for tooth decay is to change your oral and dietary habits. Reduce sugar intake and take the right amount of time needed (2 minutes) to brush twice each day and floss once each day to help reduce the chances of developing tooth decay. If tooth decay progresses into the second layer of the tooth the only way to fix it is to have a dentist remove the tooth decay and place a filling in that spot.
Further repair
If the tooth decay has progressed even further into the pulp (nerve supply of the tooth) the only treatment is to have a root canal on the tooth or have it removed. If a cavity is very small and just at the beginning stage, it can be treated with fluoride toothpaste and a fluoride varnish treatment at the dental office to help stop the progression of the decay process without getting a filling.
For more information about Keystone Dental Care, click here.
