The dental caries in children

Why dental caries in children is a serious issue

Dental caries in children is among the most prevalent oral diseases and significantly impacts quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, up to 40% of preschoolers in Europe experience early childhood caries (WHO). Across the CIS, prevalence reaches 70–80%, highlighting a substantial public-health burden for families and healthcare systems. Caries in a child not only causes pain and feeding difficulties, but also increases the risk of malocclusion, gingival disease and complications in the permanent dentition. Early detection and timely treatment markedly reduce complications and help maintain long-term oral health.

Causes of caries development in children

The core drivers are dental biofilm and high intake of free sugars against a background of inadequate oral hygiene. The enamel of primary teeth is thinner and less mineralised than that of adults, making it more susceptible to demineralisation and cavitation. Lack of periodic check-ups and preventive measures allows lesions to progress quickly, often with few symptoms at the outset. Research shows that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages increases the risk of caries in children by roughly 60% (PubMed). In this light, hygiene education, diet control and fluoride toothpaste form the pillars of effective prevention.

Symptoms of caries in children

Early lesions present as chalky white or yellow spots on the tooth surface, signalling initial enamel demineralisation. Without intervention, brown discolorations and cavitations develop, commonly accompanied by sensitivity to cold, sugar or touch. In advanced stages, acute pain and pulpal inflammation necessitate endodontic treatment or even extraction. Parents should watch for any colour or shape changes and schedule regular dental visits, because early diagnosis improves treatment success and substantially lowers the risk of complications.

Modern treatment methods for pediatric caries

Therapeutic strategy depends on lesion depth and child age, with the overarching goal of conserving tooth structure and function. At incipient stages, remineralisation therapies using fluoride and calcium may reverse lesions without drilling. Once a cavity is established, treatment involves removing infected tissue, disinfecting the site and placing contemporary light-cured composite restorations. When the pulp is involved, vital or non-vital pulp therapy maintains the tooth until its natural exfoliation. It is critical to note that proper care of primary teeth supports occlusal development and is closely linked to subsequent malocclusion correction in children.

Restoration of primary teeth

Modern composite materials provide durability, aesthetics and often deliver fluoride for additional preventive benefit. Procedures are carried out under age-appropriate local anaesthesia and are well tolerated by most children. The goal is to restore tooth morphology and masticatory function while ensuring marginal seal to prevent recurrence. Incorporating child-friendly communication and a supportive clinic environment improves acceptance and reduces pediatric dental anxiety.

Treatment of pulpitis

Untreated caries can progress to pulpal inflammation, presenting as spontaneous, persistent pain. Management includes partial or total pulpotomy/pulpectomy with biocompatible canal materials in line with modern protocols. Clinical evidence indicates that contemporary approaches preserve the tooth until its natural replacement in roughly 85% of cases (PubMed</a)).

Prevention of caries in children

Prevention is the most powerful strategy for lowering caries incidence and complications. Twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugars, periodic professional cleaning and six-monthly check-ups form the standard of care. Data from the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry indicate that regular preventive visits cut the risk of complicated caries by about 35–40% (EAPD). At Diplomat Med Center, educational programmes for children and parents, combined with fluoride varnish and nutrition counselling, significantly enhance treatment effectiveness and adherence to healthy habits.

Statistics across Europe and the CIS

In many European countries, public-health programmes have gradually reduced the average number of decayed teeth at age 12, with some reports noting declines of around 30% over two decades. In the CIS, prevalence remains high: the Russian Ministry of Health reports that more than 80% of schoolchildren have at least one active carious lesion. In Moldova and Ukraine, current estimates place prevalence around 70–75%, underscoring the need for systematic preventive measures. These regional differences confirm the impact of early intervention, education and sustained access to pediatric dental services.

How caries relates to other conditions

Untreated caries predisposes to inflammation of periodontal tissues; therefore, therapy should be integrated with gum treatment in children. Destruction of primary teeth can disrupt the eruption path and position of permanent teeth, increasing the risk of malocclusion and the need for orthodontic care. Chronic pain and chewing difficulties also affect nutrition, sleep and school performance, with tangible psychosocial effects. Consequently, timely prevention and treatment support harmonious dentoalveolar development and overall child wellbeing.

Conclusion

Pediatric dental caries is both a clinical and public-health challenge, yet it can be effectively managed through integrated strategies and regular visits. Modern pediatric dentistry provides minimally invasive care, adequate pain control and heightened attention to children’s emotional needs. Parents play a decisive role in building hygiene habits and maintaining preventive check-ups, which markedly lowers the risk of complications. A proactive approach secures healthy teeth and a confident smile, with benefits extending into adulthood.

Child dental caries: causes, consequences and modern treatment methods