Early Childhood Tooth Decay

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay happens when certain bacteria on the teeth interact with sugar (even natural sugars found in milk, juice, and breast milk). These bacteria turn the sugar into acids that erode the teeth, leading to infection and decay. Regular checkups with pediatric dentists are essential because they can detect early signs of cavities and provide preventive care. By addressing issues promptly, families can enjoy the long-term benefits for children’s oral health, including stronger teeth, fewer cavities, and a brighter smile.

Decay progresses in stages: 

1. Incipient decay: The first stage, where the decay hasn’t yet reached through the tooth’s enamel surface. This is often just a “watch” area.
2. Moderate to Advanced decay: When to worry about tooth decay? When the decay reaches through the enamel to the second layer of the tooth, the dentin, and requires treatment. Children may not feel pain even at this stage, especially when decay is between teeth and may only be visible with X-rays. Typically, decay in this stage may be treated with composite fillings. 
3. Severe decay: When the decay reaches through the dentin to the pulp (nerve) of the tooth. This can cause pain or lead to an infection of the nerve and surrounding tissues, as well as the adult tooth developing below the baby tooth. This type of decay can become life threatening if the infant or child develops facial swelling. How do dentists treat tooth decay? Sometimes, the tooth can be saved with pulpal therapy and a pre-fabricated crown if it is restorable. Other times, it may need to be extracted and a space maintainer placed. 

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.
• Try not to let your child walk around using a bottle of milk or juice as a pacifier.
• Start to teach your child to drink from a cup at about six months 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? How to prevent tooth decay in children

Fluoride helps make teeth strong and prevents tooth decay.

• If the water where you live does not have enough fluoride, your doctor may prescribe fluoride supplements (fluoride drops or pills). You would give these drops or pills every day, starting when your child is about six months old. Only give as much as the directions say to use because too much fluoride can cause spots on your child’s teeth.
• Also, be sure to call your local water authority and ask if your water is fluoridated. If it is, tell your dentist or pediatrician so that your child is not being over fluoridated.
• Children should take these drops or pills until they are 12 to 16 years old (or until you move to an area with fluoride in the water).