Tooth decay or caries is the most common dental problem among children, especially if they frequently consume sugary foods and neglect oral hygiene. One type of caries commonly found in children is rampant caries.
What is Rampant Caries?
Rampant caries is a form of tooth decay that progresses rapidly and widely. It has become a major concern in pediatric dental health. This condition often affects baby teeth in children and toddlers, causing severe tooth destruction in a short period.
Causes
One of the main causes of rampant caries is the habit of giving children a bottle of milk or sweet juice before bedtime. This practice allows sugar to accumulate in the mouth throughout the night, which bacteria then convert into acid, damaging the tooth enamel. Poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar, and a lack of fluoride in drinking water also contribute to the high risk of developing this type of caries.
Children affected by rampant caries typically show changes in tooth color, starting with white spots that then turn brown or black. Tooth pain is often the primary complaint, accompanied by discomfort while eating. If left untreated, this caries can lead to tooth destruction and eventually tooth loss, resulting in more serious dental health issues in the future.
Prevention
According to drg. Aulia Ayub, Sp. Ort, a lecturer in the Department of Orthodontics at FKG UGM, preventing rampant caries requires good oral hygiene and healthy eating habits. Parents are advised to teach children to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to avoid giving sugary drinks at night.
She also emphasized the importance of a healthy diet by reducing the intake of sugary foods and beverages. Ensuring that children get enough fluoride through toothpaste or fluoride-containing drinking water can help strengthen tooth enamel.
Measures to Take
Addressing rampant caries requires awareness and ongoing preventive actions. With proper prevention and regular care, the risk of rampant caries can be significantly reduced. Parents, teachers, and dental healthcare providers are encouraged to work together to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining children's dental health.
For children who already have rampant caries, various treatment options are available. Professional dental cleaning by a dentist can remove plaque and tartar, while fillings are used to fill cavities caused by caries. Fluoride application by a dentist helps to strengthen tooth enamel, and in severe cases, damaged teeth may need to be extracted.
Rampant caries is not just a dental problem but also a health issue that can affect children's quality of life. With proper prevention and treatment steps, it is hoped that the healthy smiles of Indonesian children can be protected in the future.
Preventing rampant caries supports achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3, "Good Health and Well-being." Preventing and treating rampant caries can improve children's quality of life and support better health and more optimal education by reducing school absences due to dental issues.
Author: Diva Luthfiana | Editor: Fajar Budi H.
Photo: Pexels
