Dubai, UAE- Our tooth is covered by a thin outer covering called enamel, which protects the inner softer tissues including the dental pulp. While it looks fragile and translucent, the enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body. So how does this enamel breakdown leading to tooth decay, especially in children?

Tooth decay or dental caries is primarily caused by bacteria. While babies are born without any bacteria in their mouth, they typically get it through saliva when their parents/caretakers kiss or share spoons with them. Once infected, these bacteria thrive on the food particles that remain on your child’s teeth after their meals and convert them into acids. The combination of bacteria, food, acid, and saliva creates a sticky film called plaque over the teeth. The acids in the plaque eventually wear down the enamel and cause cavities.

“When starchy and sugary foods such as milk, candy, raisins, fruit juices, bread, and cereals are consumed and the particles are left on your child’s teeth, it essentially becomes a breeding ground for bacteria,” says Dr. Yasmin Kottait, one of the best pediatric dentists in Dubai. “Limiting your little one’s sugar intake, especially foods with added sugar will help in eliminating the chances of cavity formation.”

Monitoring your child’s sugar intake is not the only way to prevent dental caries. One of the best ways to prevent cavities is by ensuring that your child is receiving an adequate amount of fluoride. Fluoride encourages ‘remineralization’ or strengthening of the enamel, thereby helping prevent any decay and keep teeth healthy.

“Fluoride is a game changer when it comes to preventing cavities in children,” continues Dr. Yasmin. “While children do receive natural fluoride from the foods they consume, we do recommend ensuring it in other ways. Using fluoride toothpaste is the best way to supplement your child’s requirement of the mineral.”

To effectively combat dental caries, parents must also encourage their children to brush twice and floss their teeth daily and take them on their regular dental checkups. Visiting your kid’s dentist in Dubai every 6 months will help you monitor their dental health and development and ensure that they are getting the right intervention and treatment when it comes to tooth decay. If cavities are detected early on, a simple filling procedure is enough to rectify it and ensure that your child is pain-free and confident in their smile.

For more information on dental caries and their proper treatment plans, book your appointment with Dubai’s best dentist for kids Dr. Yasmin Kottait.

About Dr. Yasmin: Dr. Yasmin Kottait is an award winning-specialist and one of the best kids dentists in Dubai. With more than 16 years of experience in pediatric dentistry, she is a real-life “tooth fairy” who is dedicated to spreading smiles and healthy oral habits in children. As a renowned name and face in the field of pediatric dentistry, Dr. Yasmin is also one of the few Autism friendly dentists in the region, with a diploma in Cognitive Based Hypnotherapy and IBCCES Autism certification.