Early childhood tooth decay

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common childhood disease? Forty percent of American children have cavities by age 6.  Baby teeth are essential for normal growth and development of the jaws and permanent teeth.  They help guide permanent teeth into their proper position. Worst of all, if children get cavities in their baby teeth, the infection almost always passes to their permanent teeth. You can help prevent this disease.

Mom, your oral health matters

Sugar feeds tooth decay

The tooth decay bacteria use sugar for energy, and they produce an acid that dissolves calcium, which causes a hole in the tooth. Any food or drink with sugar is potentially a problem; this includes juices, sodas, sports drinks, infant formula, and sweetened milk. Remember, after age 1 cups are always better than bottles.  Never put your baby to bed with a bottle.  Babies who suck on a bottle for  long periods of time can develop "baby bottle tooth decay". Another common form of sugar that is often overlooked is cooked starch—the white flour that's in crackers, cereal, chips, and junk foods in general. Give your child whatever you feel is right and healthful, but be sure to clean their gums and teeth afterward.

Clean your baby's gums and teeth early (4 months)

The decay process can start as soon as the child's first tooth pokes out from the gum, typically at 5 to 9 months. To stop the attack from happening, it's important to begin cleaning baby's mouth very early, starting at 4 months. Simply wipe baby's gums and teeth several times a day, especially after feedings with a soft, clean washcloth.  A soft toothbrush may be used when the baby will accept it.

The tooth-brushing habit (6 to 9 months)

Your child should be encouraged to brush their teeth themselves, as soon as they can hold a toothbrush, but parents should be there to supervise and complete the brushing. The night brushing is critical, as the bacteria that cause cavities have 12 hours or more to grow as your child sleeps. Make sure this brushing is done as effectively as possible to stop those cavity-causing bacteria from moving into your child's mouth as a permanent resident. A good rule of thumb is for parents to help with brushing until their child can write their name in cursive letters, which typically occurs at age 6 or 7.  Choose a child-size brush with soft, rounded bristles for your child.

Flossing removes plaque from most tooth surfaces.  Flossing should be done at  least once a day.  You should floss your child's teeth until he/she is old enough to properly do it themselves (about age eight or nine).

Look closely and often at your baby's teeth (9 to 12 months)

The first sign of a cavity is a white spot. These spots often start on the upper front teeth at the gum line. To look for these spots, lay your baby in your lap and lift their upper lip using your fingers. If you don't take care of your baby's first teeth, your child may wind up with a lifelong struggle with tooth decay.

See the dentist by age 6-12 months