Approximately 28 percent of toddlers and preschoolers had decay in their baby teeth in 2004, according to Drugs.com. Cavities in baby teeth can cause infections, pain and problems with eating and speaking. The most effective remedy for tooth decay in baby teeth is prevention by developing good nutritional and oral hygiene habits.
Good Hygiene
Begin an oral hygiene routine early to avoid baby tooth decay. Once your baby's first tooth comes in, wipe it with a damp baby washcloth twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria. When he has two teeth that touch one another, begin gently flossing daily. Use plain water or a pea-sized amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste when your child is very young. Once he is able to spit, around the age of 3, switch to a toothpaste containing fluoride. If you have well water or drink bottled water, ask his pediatrician or dentist whether you should give your child fluoride supplements to help inhibit tooth decay.
Baby Bottle Decay
A major cause of cavities in baby teeth is putting your baby or young child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. When she falls asleep, the sugary liquid pools in her mouth, bathing her teeth all night and allowing bacteria to grow. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle or fill it only with water. Don't let your baby walk around sipping from a bottle constantly and don't put juice, punch or soft drinks in a bottle at all. Switch to a cup around the time that she turns a year old.
Nutrition
Giving your child sticky, sugary foods often can speed up the development of decay in his baby teeth. Limit hard candies, fruit snacks, honey, ice cream, cake and cookies, and, when he does indulge, help him brush his teeth afterward. Avoid giving your child soft drinks; in addition to providing him with empty calories, these coat the teeth and allow decay to form. Feed your child healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, for snacks to reduce the amount of unhealthy food he eats.
Dental Care
Take your baby to the dentist close to her first birthday, then return every six months for checkups and cleanings. Frequent checks by the dentist, including occasional X-rays, can help catch decay in its beginning stages when treatment is easier. If she does have a cavity, she may need a filling. Extensive decay may require crowns or extractions. Talk to her dentist about fluoride treatments and sealants, measures that can prevent decay in both her baby and permanent teeth.
