As parents, we often find ourselves in an endless battle against a seemingly invisible enemy constantly threatening our children’s oral health: plaque. Plaque on kids’ teeth might sound like a minor concern, but it can quickly progress into dental problems if left untreated. Plaque can wreak havoc in children’s mouths, from tooth decay to gum disease. So, let’s dive deep into understanding plaque and how to keep our children’s teeth and gums healthy and happy!
What Exactly is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky coat of bacteria that forms on the tooth surface. It’s virtually invisible to the naked eye but packs a powerful punch when causing tooth decay and gum disease. This dental plaque forms when food particles mix with saliva in the mouth, creating an environment that bacteria love. These bacteria feed on sugars from our children’s foods, producing acids that can attack the enamel of both baby and permanent teeth.
Why is Plaque a Problem for Kids?
Most children love sugary foods, and unfortunately, plaque bacteria do too. When plaque accumulates along the gum line and between teeth, it can lead to dental caries, also known as cavities. If plaque is not removed by holding effective oral care habits like brushing teeth twice a day, it can harden into tartar, a tough substance that can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup contributes to tooth decay and can irritate a child’s gums, leading to gum disease.
The Journey from Plaque to Tartar: What Happens Next?
When plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into tartar or dental calculus. This gritty paste of hardened plaque can form above the gum line (supragingival calculus) or below it (subgingival calculus). Tartar is far more challenging to remove than plaque and requires professional dental cleaning, often involving a scaling treatment. Tartar buildup can cause a child’s gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily—signs of gum disease that should not be ignored.
What should you do if plaque has already been built up?
If your child’s teeth already show signs of plaque buildup, don’t panic! Schedule an appointment with a dentist to remove plaque and tartar through professional cleaning. During the visit, the dentist may use special tools to remove tartar and perform a scaling treatment to clean below the gum line. They might also recommend treatments like fluoride varnish or sealants to protect your child’s teeth from further decay.
Signs of Plaque Buildup on Kids’ Teeth
How can you tell if your child has plaque buildup? Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Visible Plaque or Tartar: While plaque is often invisible, tartar appears as a yellow or brown deposit on the teeth and gum line.
- Bad Breath: Constant bad breath can indicate that plaque and bacteria are building up in your child’s mouth.
- Tooth Sensitivity: If your child complains of sensitivity when eating hot, cold, or sugary foods, it could be due to plaque or tartar buildup, causing tooth decay.
- Gum Issues: Red, swollen, or bleeding gums can indicate gingivitis, a mild gum disease caused by plaque buildup.
Preventing Plaque: What Can Parents Do?
Early on, preventing plaque on kids’ teeth starts with establishing good oral hygiene habits. Here are some tips to help keep your child’s teeth plaque-free:
- Brushing Twice a Day: Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. This routine helps remove plaque and prevents tartar buildup. To make brushing more enjoyable, try using a timer or playing their favourite song for two minutes.
- Flossing Daily: Flossing is crucial for removing plaque in those hard-to-reach places between the teeth. Show your child the correct way to floss and oversee them until they can do it on their own confidently.
- Limiting Sugary Foods: Reducing plaque buildup can be as simple as cutting back on sugary snacks and drinks. Instead, offer healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, and cheese.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit the dentist on a routine basis for checkups and cleanings. A dentist can provide professional tooth polishing to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup and apply sealants to protect against cavities.
- Using Mouthwash: Consider introducing a child-friendly, alcohol-free mouthwash to help reduce bacteria and freshen their breath.
The Role of Diet in Preventing Plaque
Diet plays a major role in a child’s oral health. Sugary foods and drinks fuel bacteria to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Promote a balanced diet for your child rich in calcium and phosphate, which help strengthen teeth. Cheese, yoghurt, and leafy greens are great for maintaining strong, healthy teeth.
The Importance of Fluoride in Fighting Plaque
Fluoride is a natural mineral that protects teeth from decay by strengthening them and making them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria. It can also help reverse early signs of decay by remineralising weakened areas of enamel. Make sure your child uses fluoride toothpaste and, if available, drinks fluoridated water.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Plaque
Teaching your kids about plaque and the importance of good oral hygiene doesn’t have to be a chore. Use fun, age-appropriate language and activities to explain how plaque forms and why brushing and flossing are important. Visual aids like videos or books can make learning about dental health more engaging. Remember, the aim is to foster healthy habits that will endure throughout their lives.
The Bottom Line: Keeping Plaque at Bay
Plaque on kids’ teeth is more than just a nuisance; it’s a threat to their oral health that requires diligent care and attention. By teaching your child good oral hygiene practices, encouraging healthy eating habits, and visiting the dentist regularly, you can help prevent plaque buildup and guarantee they have a bright, healthy smile for years.
Remember, a little effort each day can make a big difference in preventing plaque and keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy. After all, their smile is worth it!
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Bright-On Bay Dental at (02) 9538 7028.
References:
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/nutrition-for-kids/art-20049335
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Tartar. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25102-tartar
- American Dental Association. (n.d.). Scaling and root planing. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/scaling-and-root-planing
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