Caries, or tooth decay, is the most widespread oral disease, and in fact, the main cause of tooth loss in children. 

In Spain, 1 in 3 children have tooth decay at age six. This prevalence increases with age, reaching over 90% in adults. A child with cavities in their primary teeth will likely have multiple cavities in their permanent teeth as an adult. 

Basically, the process consists of the following: the bacteria that are part of the dental biofilm metabolise dietary sugars and transform these into acids, which cause enamel demineralisation. If this process is sustained over time, it can cause the onset of decay. 

Tooth decay depends mainly on 4 factors: microorganisms, substrate (sugars), time and host factors (dental surfaces, quantity and quality of saliva to protect against caries, etc.). 

Tooth decay can be prevented by tackling the different factors that influence its appearance, particularly substrate and microorganisms. 

Controlling microorganisms 

The main microorganism responsible for the onset of decay is Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium is not present in the oral cavity of babies when they are born. In most cases, it is transmitted to them by their parents through saliva. 

To prevent this early transmission of S. mutans, habits such as tasting baby’s food with their spoon, blowing on baby’s food to cool it, cleaning baby’s pacifier with your mouth, etc, should be avoided. 

The vast majority of the population carries this bacterium, so the best way to eliminate it is through oral hygiene. Brushing is necessary from the moment the first tooth appears. Use by children of dental gels with an age-specific fluoride concentration increases their enamel resistance to decay (host factor). 

Controlling substrate 

Carbohydrates are the substrate used by bacteria to produce acids. 

The simpler the carbohydrate, the greater the capacity to cause decay, or cariogenesis, as less energy is needed by the bacteria to metabolise it. Simple sugars are thus the most cariogenic carbohydrates, while others like pasta or rice require more time and energy to be transformed into acids, which means they are less cariogenic. 

Restricting the amount and, above all, the frequency of intake of carbohydrates is very important. Every time there is intake of carbohydrates, and these remain on the teeth, bacteria can metabolise them, producing acids that cause enamel demineralisation. Therefore, the more frequent the intake of simple sugars, the longer demineralisation will last, and the greater the risk of decay. 

Keeping in mind the effect of carbohydrate intake, certain precautions should be taken: 

- Do not leave baby overnight in the crib with a bottle if it contains liquids other than water 

- Avoid dipping baby’s pacifier in sweet substances 

- Avoid feeding baby between meals, given the amount of food with “hidden” sugar (ham, pasta, potatoes, etc.) 

- Clean gums and brush teeth after each meal to remove food debris as soon as possible. 

As is clear, oral hygiene plays a key role in the prevention of childhood caries in three ways: 

- Removal of microorganisms responsible for caries 

- Removal of remains of sugars from the mouth after each meal 

- Strengthening of the enamel to make it more resistant to tooth decay 

The VITIS ranges—VITIS baby brush and soothing gel ointment, VITIS kids brush and dental gel, and VITIS junior brush, dental gel and mouthwash—offer solutions adapted to the different stages of a child’s development, because each age requires specific care.