Not only adults, baby teeth in children can also be damaged if they are not cared for properly. Because baby teeth will be lost or dislodged and replaced by permanent teeth that start growing at the age of six, it doesn't mean that we can take their hygiene and health conditions lightly. In fact, keeping milk teeth healthy and well-maintained is something that is absolutely mandatory for parents to do because the condition of dental health at an early age greatly affects the health of the child's permanent teeth later. In addition, the immune system of children under the age of 6 is definitely still vulnerable and needs extra effort to keep their teeth healthy. That's why, parents must know the importance of starting to care for their children's teeth from an early age.
Damage to baby teeth can be caused by bacteria lodged in the mouth. Well, the emergence of these bacteria is exacerbated by the remains of food or drink stuck to the teeth, which contain high sugars and acids, for example, milk, soda, candy, cakes, fruit juices, bread, and so on. It is this combination of bacteria, sugar, and acid that, if not cleaned diligently, will form plaque on your child's teeth and trigger problems with your child's teeth. Then, how do we know if the condition of the child's teeth is not okay?
Signs that usually appear on a child's teeth with problems, for example;
- The appearance of small white areas on a child's teeth indicates that the tooth enamel is starting to break down and can trigger tooth sensitivity.
- There are parts of the teeth that start to change color to become darker to brownish.
- There are cavities that are brown to black in color.
The symptoms that the child may feel;
- Pain in the tooth area
- Sensitivity to certain foods such as sweet, hot or cold foods.
 So, if signs or symptoms have appeared, it means that the child's teeth must be immediately taken for further treatment to the dentist. Usually, the doctor will analyze the child's medical history, check the child's teeth, or take an x-ray scan of the child's teeth if necessary. To deal with damage to children's teeth, dentists will also carry out actions and treatments that are adapted to the condition of children's teeth. In addition, the dentist will also suggest things that parents need to protect and prevent damage to their children's teeth.
Ref.: University of Rochester Medical Center, online: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P01848