When it comes to children's teeth, temporary does not mean unimportant. Baby teeth are more susceptible to decay than permanent teeth, says dentist Dan Peterson. Called baby bottle decay or early childhood caries, decay in baby teeth is preventable. Set a pattern of good oral hygiene early and check your child's teeth regularly for warning signs of decay.
Cause
Bacteria cause tooth decay. You or another caregiver may inadvertently pass bacteria to your infant when you share a spoon with her, for example, says the American Dental Association, or ADA. Bacteria feed on the sugars, such as those found in sweetened water or fruit juices, or even formula or breast milk. The bacteria then produce acid that damages the teeth. Bacteria can attack teeth for up to 20 minutes, explains the ADA, so it is particularly harmful to your child's teeth to put him to bed with a bottle or to use a bottle as a pacifier. Infants also may develop tooth decay if they receive an inadequate levels of fluoride because fluoride helps make enamel resistant to acid.
Symptoms
Tooth decay can begin in children as soon as their first tooth erupts. Decay typically occurs on the top front teeth, although any tooth may be affected. Signs of tooth decay include dark pitting or holes, numerous cavities or broken teeth. Your child may have toothaches or trouble eating. Check your child's teeth regularly for changes or discolored or stained areas.
Prevention
Begin your baby's oral health regimen shortly after birth by wiping her gums after each feeding. Once her teeth emerge, brush them using a child-sized toothbrush and water. When your child is old enough to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it, usually at age 2, begin using a fluoride paste. Do not use fluoride toothpaste in children younger than 2 years without consulting your dentist or physician. Brush your child's teeth until about age 6, when she develops sufficient dexterity to handle the brush herself. Don't lick pacifiers, spoons or other objects you child puts in her mouth and put only milk, formula or water in bottles. Make sure your child finishes all drinks and snacks before bed. Check labels and choose chewable vitamins that do not list sugar as one of the first few ingredients. Schedule your child's first dental appointment within six months after her first tooth erupts.
Consequences
Decay in baby teeth can have lasting consequences. In some infants, decay is so extensive that the teeth are beyond repair and must be extracted. Removing baby teeth prematurely may affect the spacing or development of adult teeth. Loss of baby teeth too early may affect speech development or self-image. Untreated decay also may harm the underlying bone structure of the jaw. Additionally, children who have tooth decay are at increased risk for decay as adults.
References
- Family Dental Gentle Care; Baby Bottle Decay or Early Childhood Caries (ECC); Dan Peterson, D.D.S; February 2008
- American Dental Association: Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
- Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Oral Health: Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research -- National Institutes of Health: Seal Out Tooth Decay
- Family Dental Gentle Care; Care of Baby Teeth; Dan Peterson, D.D.S; February 2008
