Early Childhood Tooth Decay
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Several specific types of bacteria that live on the teeth cause decay. When sugar is consumed, the bacteria use the sugar and then manufacture acids that dissolve the teeth and cause an infection in the tooth. This infection is called decay.
What Is Early Childhood Tooth Decay?
Infants who go to bed with a bottle/sippy cup of milk, formula, or juice are more likely to get tooth decay. Because the sugar in formula, milk, or juice stays in contact with the teeth for a long time during the night, the teeth can decay quickly.
Some Tips To Avoid Early Childhood Tooth Decay
- Put your child to bed with a bottle of plain water, not milk or juice.
- Stop nursing when your child is asleep or has stopped sucking on the bottle. Wipe or brush your child's teeth after they are done with their bottle.
- Try not to let your child walk around using a bottle/sippy cup of milk or juice as a pacifier.
- Start to teach your child to drink from a cup at about one year of age. Plan to stop using a bottle by 12 to 14 months at the latest.
- Don't dip your child's pacifier in honey or sugar.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride helps make teeth strong and prevents tooth decay. If you are unsure if your water is fluoridated be sure to call your local water authority and ask if your water is fluoridated. Fluoride is very important in preventing tooth decay however too much can be harmful. If you are drinking well water you need to have if tested. The fluoride levels should be around 1ppm to be effective. If the levels are too high it can be harmful to your child's developing adult teeth.