6 year molars came in with cavities?

Question

My sons 6 year molars have come through with cavities in them. I've made an appointment for him to see the dentist next month but he's absolutely devastated and very upset about the prospect of needing fillings - his older sister had fillings recently and told him he'll need them too.

What caused his teeth to come in with cavities in them? And is there anything we can do to prevent his other permanent teeth doing the same?

Answer 1

There r a few possible reasons for such early deay
1) There may be some developmental defect in tooth formation which acclerated a carious process
2) Diet habits - like lots of sugar and in-between-meal snacks
3) Lack of oral hygiene maintainence like brushing twice or more daily
4) Genetic predisposition - like deep pits in the teeth favouring food accumulation
It is highly unlikely that calcium deficiency causes tooth decay as some believe. For ur information, the enamel of 6 year molars starts forming in the jaws at birth and is completed by 1-2 years, a time when child is having lot of milk. Weak enamel (hypoplasia) is due to other reasons like systemic diseases at the time of enamel formation or even to pregnant mother.
Make sure u treat the affected tooth as per your dentist's advice and get advice regarding Oral hygiene maintenance, flouride treatment etc.

Answer 2

There are children who would need root canals on their 6 year molars while the teeth are still erupting! And then there are some would have to have them extracted because it is too late! It is not uncommon, the good thing is that you have brought your son in for the checkup and that tooth should be treated as soon as possible. The cavities may be small now. However, don't be alarmed. Just make sure your son learns his lesson and reaches well far back when he brushes and does everything as directed.

Answer 3

Are you sure they actually came in with cavities in them and didn't just decay very quickly once they were in? I don't think it's possible for teeth to decay until they are errupted. Does he have a lot of sugar and fizzy juice? You had posted another question about his sister having several large cavities, maybe you need to look at what they are eating and perhaps ask the dentist for some advice on better brushing techniques.

Answer 4

As soon as a tooth breaks through the gum, it is prone to decay, teeth that are partially erupted are sometimes difficult to brush properly as they sit lower than the other teeth, unless you turn brush 90 degrees to brush IN the gap.
The only thing you can do is to ensure you cut out or greatly reduce any food stuffs ie sweets, that rot teeth, and to ensure your son is properly brushing his teeth.

My 9yr old had 2 milk teeth taken out due to rot, (exact same tooth on both sides) she isn't allowed sweets, cakes, chocolate or anything else with too much sugar (makes her abit hyper), so put it down to fact she is abit lazy with brushing her teeth.
Also some people are prone to teeth and gum rot no matter how well they look after their teeth.

Answer 5

Cut out Coke and similar sweet drinks. Natural fruit juices are very acidic and damage enamel so should be diluted. Anything with added sugar should be avoided.
Sweets which stay in the mouth (lollipops and toffee for instance) are harmful, except for sugar-free gum. Milk and cheese contain calcium so your children should have lots for strong teeth and bones.

Answer 6

They could have a developmental defect something could have happened while they were forming. If that is the case they erupt with weak enamel and decay fast and there isn't anything you could have done to prevent it just happens.

Answer 7

It probably decayed as it was forming.