What are the harms of dental caries in children?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on January 04, 2025
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Due to not forming the habit of brushing daily during childhood, and the frequent consumption of sugary foods during this period, the incidence of dental caries in children is relatively high. The onset of the disease is due to the presence of a large amount of dental plaque on the teeth, where bacteria gradually corrode the teeth, leading to the occurrence of caries. Initially, caries damage the tooth enamel on the surface, further progress destroys the dentin, and finally, it penetrates the dental pulp, forming pulpitis, which presents with obvious swelling and pain. Severe cases can also cause periapical periodontitis, leading to tooth loss, and affecting the normal emergence of permanent teeth. Therefore, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and seek timely symptomatic treatment when children develop dental caries.

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Can cavities be detected in an X-ray?

In clinical practice, not all cavities require X-rays, nor can all cavities be detected through X-rays. The purpose of taking X-rays is to understand the depth of the cavity and the distance between the cavity and the dental nerve. Some cavities occur on the surfaces between teeth which cannot be seen with the naked eye; in these cases, X-rays can provide a clear diagnosis. However, early-stage cavities only involve changes in the enamel, showing as chalky changes or small black dots and lines on the tooth surface. For these superficial changes, X-rays will not show any abnormalities. Therefore, it is important to maintain oral hygiene by brushing teeth morning and evening, and rinsing after meals to detect and treat cavities early, to prevent other complications.

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Do occasional toothaches from cavities need treatment?

When a patient has a cavity, they may only occasionally experience pain. In such cases, it is generally recommended that the patient visits a hospital for consultation. Even a minor cavity has its preventative measures to stop it from worsening and leading to severe consequences; therefore, treatment is still necessary. Many severe cavities develop from minor ones. They can slowly cause defects in the teeth, damage to the tooth root, or stimulate the nerves in the gums, potentially leading to loose or falling teeth. Thus, it is advisable for patients to adopt the correct treatment methods. Additionally, if patients experience pain, they can undergo anti-inflammatory and pain relief treatments to alleviate discomfort and avoid inconvenience in their dietary life.

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What is the reason for black dental caries?

Cavity prevalence is quite high, especially in children who haven't developed good oral hygiene habits and consume a lot of sweets, making them prone to cavities. Early detection is thus very important. Early symptoms of cavities are not obvious, but with careful observation, one can notice parts of the teeth turning black. This is due to bacterial erosion and damage to the teeth. Damage occurs to the enamel and dentin of the teeth. If this continues to develop, it can lead to damage to the dental pulp, resulting in pulpitis. Therefore, when you notice your teeth turning black, it is crucial to seek timely treatment to prevent the progression to pulpitis.

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The concept of dental caries

Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, are caused by bacterial infection that damages the hard tissues of the teeth. Once cavities occur, it is essential to intervene with dental treatment as soon as possible. Strictly speaking, cavities represent a bacterial infection caused by the failure to remove food residues timely after eating. Bacteria break down glucose, producing lactic acid, which causes demineralization of the teeth. Once cavities occur, it is crucial to undergo dental filling treatment promptly, commonly referred to as dental restoration. If the progression of decay is not promptly halted, it can lead to further complications over time, including pulpitis which causes toothache or night pain, pain during sleep intense enough to wake one from sleep, and in severe cases, facial swelling.

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Can a cavity that exposes the dental pulp be filled?

Cavities that expose the dental pulp cannot be directly filled in one session. Treatment of the tooth must be carried out before filling. In the early stages of a cavity, only the hard tissue of the tooth is damaged. If the decayed part is removed promptly and the dental nerve is not exposed, the tooth can be directly filled in one session. However, if the cavity progresses to the point where the dental pulp, or nerve, is exposed, this requires a nerve removal procedure. After the nerve is killed, the root canal is sealed with medication, and following inflammation control, the root canal is filled. Only after root canal treatment can the tooth be filled. Otherwise, the inflammation may further develop into apical inflammation, or even lead to space infections causing facial swelling.