The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that as many as 42 percent of children ages 2 to 11 have dental caries, otherwise known as tooth decay. While the extent of tooth decay varies among children, 23 percent of children go untreated, which often leads to more extensive damage. The damage done to teeth is mostly preventable, especially when it comes to proper dental hygiene. By following healthy practices now, help to preserve your child's smile for life.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Leaving your baby or toddler in bed with a bottle of milk or juice often helps him to calm down and go to sleep, especially if you've made the nighttime bottle a special habit. But allowing your child to take a bottle in bed, then fall asleep with the bottle in his mouth leads to decay. The sugars in various beverages coat the teeth and eat away at enamel. If your child must have a nighttime bottle and is over the age of 1, fill the bottle with water, never milk or juice, to help avoid tooth decay.
Poor Genetics
If you've suffered from weak enamel and teeth during your life, it's likely that your child will experience the same problems. While the actual tooth decay isn't genetic, the bacteria that causes tooth decay is found in biological parents and children. Streptococcus mutans feeds on sugar in the mouth while secreting acid that eats away at the enamel in teeth, causing overall tooth decay.
Poor Hygiene
Inattention to overall oral hygiene leaves your child at a higher risk for tooth decay. During the course of the day, your child consumes and comes into contact with bacteria, acid and other materials that cause the teeth to weaken and decay over time. It's vital that your child brush her teeth with fluoride paste and floss on a regular basis. Neglecting to engage in proper oral hygiene or schedule a dental appointment for your child at least once a year leads to undetected decay.
Bacteria Passage
The same Streptococcus mutans that eats away at enamel and causes tooth decay isn't only passed through genetics, it's often passed through physical touch. When a caregiver or parent has the bacteria in her mouth, then transfers the saliva inadvertently to a child, the bacteria flourishes and begins to eat away at healthy teeth. By practicing proper hygiene practices, such as washing your hands when caring for a child and avoiding sharing cups and other utensils, you limit the introduction of harmful bacteria into your child's mouth.
