Are parents still neglecting children’s dental caries? Be careful of the impact on children’s growth and development.

Tooth decay is a bacterial-driven disease process in which Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli play key roles. They combine with saliva and food residues to form dental plaque that adheres to the tooth surface, producing acidic substances that can lead to enamel damage. Studies show that children with more dental plaque in their mouths are more likely to develop cavities. Diet also directly influences the development of cavities, especially foods rich in carbohydrates and sugars. These components not only provide energy for bacteria, but the organic acids produced as a result of their metabolism can erode the tooth surface, leading to cavities over time, with sucrose being the main cavity-causing sugar. The health of teeth is closely related to the nutritional status during development, with adequate mineral salts, vitamins B1, D, and fluoride enhancing the teeth’s cavity resistance. Although a mother’s nutritional status during pregnancy does not decisively affect the development of a fetus’s baby teeth, good nutrition is still beneficial. Apart from severe metabolic disorders or genetic diseases, baby teeth are usually not significantly affected. Tooth structure, shape, and position are also factors influencing the risk of cavities. Deep fissures on the biting surfaces of teeth are prone to retaining food residues, making them difficult to clean and increasing the risk of cavities. Poor mineralization of teeth, especially inadequate calcification, can reduce cavity resistance. Although fluoride is present in trace amounts, it is crucial for enhancing teeth’s cavity resistance. Baby teeth during childhood and young permanent teeth are more susceptible to cavities because of their lower structural maturity and calcification levels, resulting in a higher incidence of cavities. Childhood cavities can bring a series of harms, including: Pain-induced unilateral chewing may lead to facial asymmetry. Decay of baby teeth affects the normal development of the jawbone, potentially causing facial deformities. The pathology may spread to the dental pulp, root apex, and even affect the development of permanent teeth. Tooth infections can become a source of systemic infections and are associated with various diseases. Decreased chewing function due to cavities can affect digestion and absorption, thereby hindering children’s growth and development. Caries in baby teeth may cause pronunciation problems, affecting language learning and imposing psychological burdens on children.