Do You Think the Teeth Erupted as Decayed?
Tooth decay is an infectious disease caused by the disruption of the healthy state of the mouth. For tooth decay to occur, the tooth must have erupted in the mouth, there must be decay-causing microorganisms present, and these microorganisms must regularly have access to food.
Family Misconception
Some families claim their children's teeth have erupted as decayed. This is because the initial appearance of tooth decay is white. When there is poor nutrition and inadequate brushing to protect the teeth, these white decays can turn into brown or black cavities.
In children who regularly visit a pediatric dentist, decay can be detected by the specialist while still appearing white, allowing for preventive measures. In summary, teeth do not decay before they erupt; the initial appearance of white decay is often overlooked, leading to the misconception that it formed suddenly. Not all discolorations seen on teeth are cavities!
Sometimes, during eruption, the teeth may appear yellow, brown, or black. This is more commonly seen in permanent teeth and is due to genetic factors or various external conditions that affect tooth development. Additionally, discolorations can occur in primary teeth due to nutrition or medication, which can lead to aesthetic concerns and social anxiety for children.
Families may confuse this situation with tooth decay. In such cases, it is essential for families to consult a pediatric dentist to understand the cause. Early consultation with a pediatric dentist makes treatment easier and less costly.
Can Tooth Decay Be Genetic?
Tooth decay is not a genetic disease but an infectious disease caused by microorganisms. Therefore, decay is not passed genetically from parent to child but is transmitted through microorganisms and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Microorganisms can be transmitted to the baby before the teeth erupt, such as when the mother or caregiver places the bottle in their mouth or kisses them.
Since the child lives in the same environment as the family, the lack of brushing habits among family members or poor dietary choices means the child is likely to adopt the same behaviors. Thus, it is crucial for parents to consult a pediatric dentist before or shortly after the child is born to change their lifestyle to prevent tooth decay.
Pay Attention to Periods When Infants Are Prone to Tooth Decay!
The microorganisms that cause tooth decay can be transmitted by the mother or caregiver to the child before the teeth erupt. However, the risk of transmission increases, especially during the eruption of primary teeth between 19 to 31 months. Therefore, it is vital for the mother to pay attention to her oral health and take care not to transmit microorganisms to the baby.
Prof. Dr. Ayça Tuba ULUSOY
