As parents, keeping our kids’ smiles healthy is a top priority. But there’s a silent culprit that can easily go unnoticed: dental plaque. While it may not be visible, plaque on kids’ teeth can cause serious dental problems if not properly managed. In this blog, we’ll explore plaque, why it concerns your child’s oral health and the best ways to prevent it. Ready to learn how to safeguard your child’s smile? Let’s get started.
What Is Plaque and Why Does It Matter?
Plaque is a sticky, invisible film of bacteria that constantly forms on the surface of our teeth. When your child eats, especially sugary foods, the food particles mix with saliva, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Over time, plaque buildup can result in tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Even though it’s hard to see, plaque can quickly progress to more serious problems if not removed regularly.
Plaque doesn’t discriminate against children’s teeth—it can form on baby teeth, permanent teeth, and along the gum line. If left untreated, it hardens into tartar (also known as dental calculus), which can only be removed by a dentist. This is why it’s so important to maintain good oral hygiene from an early age.
Why Is Plaque a Problem for Kids?
While plaque is a problem for people of all ages, it can particularly damage children’s teeth. When plaque accumulates, it starts producing acids that attack the tooth surface, leading to tooth decay. If decay isn’t treated, it can result in cavities, infections, or even tooth loss in serious cases, which can affect both baby teeth and adult teeth.
If this early stage of gum disease is left untreated, it can develop into more severe conditions that may impact your child’s oral health in the long run. This is why managing plaque buildup is crucial—not just for protecting their teeth but also for maintaining healthy gums.
How Plaque Forms on Kids’ Teeth
Plaque starts forming when food particles and bacteria in the mouth stick to the teeth. Sugary foods and drinks are particularly responsible for plaque buildup because they provide fuel for bacteria to produce acids that damage the teeth. If this plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which leads to more serious issues like cavities and gum disease.
Tartar is much tougher to deal with. Once it forms, regular brushing won’t remove it – only a paediatric dentist can do that during a professional cleaning. That’s why preventing plaque buildup is key to avoiding bigger dental problems down the road.
Signs of Plaque and Tartar on Your Child’s Teeth
It can be difficult to spot plaque on your child’s teeth because it’s often invisible. However, there are a few signs to watch out for that could indicate the presence of plaque or tartar:
- Discolouration, such as yellow or brown stains on the teeth, particularly along the gum line.
- Gums that appear red, swollen, or bleed during brushing
- Persistent bad breath
- Complaints of discomfort or sensitivity
- Teeth that feel rough or gritty
- When a tooth appears discoloured or shows signs of decay.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action. Addressing the issue early can help prevent additional harm to your child’s teeth and gums.
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
Taking your child to the dentist for regular dental checkups is one of the most effective ways to prevent plaque from causing serious issues. During a dental visit, the dentist will look for plaque buildup, remove any tartar, and explore any early indications of tooth decay or gum disease.
These checkups also allow your child to learn good oral hygiene habits from a professional. Your dentist can guide you on the best brushing and flossing methods, as well as any specific care your child’s teeth might need.
Tips for Preventing Plaque and Tartar Buildup
While plaque can’t be entirely avoided, there are several ways to reduce its buildup and prevent it from turning into tartar. Here are some helpful tips to keep your child’s teeth healthy:
Brush Twice a Day with Fluoride Toothpaste
Make sure your child is brushing their teeth daily at least twice using fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride fortifies tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque. Encourage your child to brush for at least two minutes, paying special attention to the gum line and all surfaces of the teeth.
Switch to an Electric Toothbrush
It is advisable to consider using an electric toothbrush for more efficient plaque removal. Electric brushes are known to be more effective than manual ones at cleaning the teeth and gum line. Many models have built-in timers to ensure your child is brushing for the recommended time.
Floss Daily
Flossing eliminates plaque from between the teeth and along the gums, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Help your child establish the habit of flossing every day to prevent plaque buildup in these tricky spots.
Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugary foods are a major contributor to plaque and tooth decay. Reducing your child’s intake of sugary snacks and drinks can greatly decrease the likelihood of plaque buildup. Instead, offer healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
Encourage Drinking Water
Water hydrates your child and helps rinse away food particles and acids in the mouth. Encourage your child to drink water regularly throughout the day, particularly after meals, to help maintain oral cleanliness and minimise plaque formation.
What Happens If Plaque Is Not Removed?
When plaque is not removed, it often hardens into tartar, which poses a bigger threat to your child’s oral health. Tartar buildup can cause gum disease, lead to tooth decay, and, in severe cases, result in the loss of a tooth.
Additionally, tartar that forms below the gum line can cause infections and inflammation, which may lead to more advanced gum issues. This is why regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential to maintaining your child’s oral health.
Professional Treatments: Scaling and Polishing
When plaque has hardened into tartar, the only way to remove it is through professional dental scaling treatments. During a routine visit, the dentist will perform scaling treatment to remove tartar from the tooth surface and along the gum line. Once the tartar is removed, they may polish the teeth using a gritty paste to make the surface smooth, which helps prevent further plaque accumulation.
Building Good Oral Hygiene Habits
The foundation of healthy teeth starts at home. As a parent, it’s important to instil good oral care habits in your child from an early age. Encouraging regular brushing, flossing, and healthy eating can help your child maintain a clean and healthy mouth. And, of course, don’t forget to schedule those regular dental checkups!
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Child’s Smile
Instilling good oral hygiene habits in your child, reducing their intake of sugary foods, and ensuring regular dental checkups will set the foundation for lifelong oral health. A healthy smile begins with consistent care, and preventing plaque buildup is key to maintaining that smile!
For more guidance on keeping your child’s teeth healthy or to schedule a checkup, reach out to Available Dental Care at (02) 4601 3828.
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
