Dental Caries in Children in Kahramanmaraş
Childhood is the period of fastest growth and development, and oral health during this process is a mirror of overall body health. Unfortunately, however, dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases in children in Kahramanmaraş, as it is worldwide. The fact that the structure of baby teeth is more organic and less mineralized than permanent teeth causes decay to progress very quickly. Many parents may fall into the misconception that “baby teeth are temporary, it’s okay if they decay”; however, this approach can lead to permanent damage in the child’s future oral structure, nutrition, and even speech.
What is Dental Caries and Why Does it Progress So Quickly in Children?
Dental caries occurs as a result of bacteria in the mouth using sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods as a food source and producing acid. This acid dissolves (demineralizes) the enamel, the hardest layer of the tooth, and creates cavities. There are two main reasons why this process is much more aggressive in children than in adults:
- Anatomical Structure: The enamel and dentin layers of baby teeth are much thinner than those of adult teeth. This causes decay to reach the nerve (pulp) of the tooth very quickly.
- Physiological Difference: The “nerve chambers” (pulp chamber) of baby teeth are larger. This makes it easier for decay to quickly turn into a painful infection (abscess).
Risk Factors Specific to Kahramanmaraş: Nutritional Culture
Kahramanmaraş is a gastronomic city known for its ice cream, desserts, and rich cuisine. However, this richness can pose a risk factor that needs to be managed in terms of children’s dental health.
Sticky Foods and Acid Attack: Foods like Kahramanmaraş ice cream, dried fruit paste, sausage, and syrupy desserts stick tightly to the tooth surface due to their composition. Saliva flow struggles to clean these foods. Sugar that remains in the mouth for a long time is a constant fuel source for bacteria and prolongs the “Acid Attack” period. While saliva normally neutralizes oral acid in 30-40 minutes, this can take hours with sticky foods.
Early Childhood Caries (Bottle Caries)
The condition known as “Bottle Caries” among the public is an aggressive condition that particularly affects the 0-3 age group. It usually begins with brown/black spots on the upper front teeth and rapidly leads to tooth fracture.
For babies, drinking milk from a bottle (even without honey or molasses) or breast milk while sleeping at night is the biggest risk factor for tooth decay. Saliva flow decreases during sleep, and the “washing” mechanism of the teeth stops. The milk sugar (lactose) that accumulates on the tooth surface exposes the teeth to an acid bath until morning. Therefore, nighttime feeding should be gradually discontinued after the first teeth erupt, or the teeth should be wiped with a clean, damp cloth after feeding.
Comparison of Caries Progression in Children and Adults
To understand why caries in baby teeth should be treated “without delay,” it is important to see the difference with adult teeth:
can reach.
| Criteria | Adult Tooth Caries | Child (Baby Tooth) Caries |
|---|---|---|
| Progression Rate | Progresses slowly, may take months/years. | Progresses very quickly, reaching the nerve within weeks. |
| Pain Threshold | Gives a warning with aching in the early stages. | It may not show any symptoms until it reaches the nerve, it starts with sudden night pain. |
| Risk of Infection | Tenders to remain localized. | It can quickly descend to the root tip, causing swelling and abscess in the face. |
| Treatment Approach | It is preserved for a long time with root canal treatment. | Rapid intervention is required, otherwise early extraction and space maintainer are necessary. |
Treatment Methods: Pedodontic Approach
In pediatric dentistry clinics in Kahramanmaraş, caries treatment is based not only on repairing the tooth but also on helping the child overcome their fear of the dentist. The methods used are as follows:
1. Compomer (Colored) Fillings
These are filling materials specially produced for primary teeth, possessing both composite (aesthetic) and glass ionomer (fluoride-releasing) properties. They are moisture-tolerant and, thanks to the fluoride they contain, help prevent the recurrence of caries at the edge of the filling. Colored options (pink, blue, green, etc.) are available to motivate children.
2. Amputation (Partial Root Canal Treatment)
If the caries has reached the nerve of the tooth but the nerve in the roots is still alive, an “Amputation” procedure is performed. In this procedure, only the infected nerve tissue in the upper part of the tooth is removed, while the living tissue in the roots remains.The tooth is left untouched and covered with special medications. This preserves the vitality of the tooth and allows it to continue functioning in the mouth until its natural shedding time.
3. Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC)
In primary molars that are severely damaged and have lost too much substance to hold a filling, instead of extracting the tooth, prefabricated metal crowns (Stainless Steel Crowns) are placed on it. These crowns completely surround the tooth, prevent breakage, and restore chewing function. When the tooth’s time to fall out comes, the crown falls out along with the tooth.
Preventive Medicine: Preventing Caries Before It Occurs
The best treatment is no treatment at all. The golden rule for children’s dental health in Kahramanmaraş is “Preventive Medicine”.
- Fissure Sealant: This is the process of sealing the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of molars with a fluid filling before caries occurs. It is painless and reduces the risk of decay by 80%.
- Fluoride Application: These are varnishes or gels applied under the supervision of a dentist to strengthen tooth enamel. It makes the tooth resistant to acids.
- Regular Check-ups: Whether there is pain or not, check-ups every 6 months allow for the detection of early-stage decay (white spot lesions) and prevent them from progressing without the need for fillings.
Conclusion: The Responsibility of Parents
Your child’s dental health is an integral part of their overall health. For families living in Kahramanmaraş, managing regional nutritional risks, instilling a regular brushing habit, and not delaying the first dental visit (recommended when the first tooth erupts) are vital. Remember, every treated baby tooth is a guarantee of a healthy permanent tooth and a confident smile.
