Do you know how to prevent tooth decay in young children? Although tooth decay can be caused by a myriad of factors, one of the most common types is called baby bottle tooth decay. This tooth decay is caused by the constant exposure to harmful substances in a child’s drink, and their mouth’s prolonged exposure to them.
Always make sure to never let your child sleep with a baby bottle in their mouth. Doing so increases the time that harmful substances can attack their teeth, as it is possible for liquid to pool in their mouth. In addition, sugar is one of the most harmful substances to a child’s teeth, so limit or avoid drinks such as sodas, sports drinks, sugar water, and juice.
By the time a child is six months old, their first tooth should erupt above the gum line. When it does, it must be cared for every day. A child cannot brush his or her own teeth, so it falls upon a caretaker to do it for them. When using toothpaste, use a dab roughly the size of a grain of rice. Although cleaning their teeth is vital, so too should the effort given to which products they consume.
With a steady balance of oral health care habits like brushing and the avoidance of sugary products in their baby bottles, a child’s oral health can be very bright. For an oral examination at Westlake Pediatric Dentistry at our pediatric office in Austin, Texas, please book an appointment with Dr. Kyle Raymond and our team by calling 512-732-0022.
