Pediatric dental caries affect many children of toddler age. Since young children cannot brush their teeth properly on their own, are often put to bed with a bottle, carry a sippy cup of juice during the day and eat too many sugary snacks, they are already susceptible to cavities. Sugar-laden soda makes the problem worse. Establish good habits with your toddler to prevent gum disease and obesity.
Mouth Structure
Baby teeth are important in learning to chew and talk, according to the American Dental Association. The full set of 20 primary teeth act as important spacers for the permanent teeth that will replace them. Many parents, especially those on tight budgets, do not obtain treatment for their children's baby teeth problems, but free dental clinics are available to young children and should be scheduled in the same as pediatric medical visits.
Soda and Sugar
Americans already consume too much sugar, much of it from soda. This bad habit is passed down to children with baby teeth, setting them up for a lifetime of tooth and gum problems. The teeth of young children who exhibit baby bottle decay are typical -- the upper teeth are rotted away from holding a baby bottle, sippy cup, or soda bottle in the mouth. The constant contact of tooth enamel with soda causes cavities.
Growth
Since the baby teeth are important anchors in the jawbone for permanent teeth, any infection can spread to the gum, or even worse to the bone. Children given sugary sodas to drink are not getting any nutritional benefit from it and it ruins the tooth enamel. Eliminate sweetened soda from the daily diet of all children. A dentist may recommend tooth sealant for baby teeth if there is danger of further infection.
Toothbrushing
Since children don't have good enough motor skills to brush their teeth well enough until they are five or six years old, parents and caregivers need to brush for them twice a day. Babies teething can have their gums gently wiped with a soft cloth. Baby teeth can be brushed with baking soda, and when the baby is old enough to chew, use a fluoride toothpaste on the brush.
Checkups
Children should have their first dental visit by the time they are 1 year old. Make it a fun occasion, since it will be the first of many. Find a dentist who has a practice with many pediatric patients; some dental groups even specialize in children.
References
- University of Southern California; "THE CORRELATION BETWEEN DENTAL CARIES IN PRIMARY AND PERMANENT TEETH IN CHILDREN AT TWO DIFFERENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS"; Howard Hyung-won Kim M.S.; May 2009
- University of Southern California News; USC Dental Clinic for Homeless Restores Teeth and Lives; Carol Tucker; July 2002
- American Dental Association; Baby Teeth; 2011
