So, what causes toddler tooth decay? We'll provide the answer and fill you in on how to prevent and treat the decay. After all, you'll want your toddler's baby teeth to continue being adorable – and healthy.
Toddler tooth decay (aka cavities or dental caries) occurs when bacteria within the mouth begin to eat away at the baby teeth. We want you to be aware that the decay results from four common causes that are highly preventable.
Sleeping with a Bottle: There's even an unofficial valid term for this: baby bottle tooth decay - officially known as early childhood caries (ECC). The cause of this condition is giving your toddler a bottle filled with milk or juice at nap time or bedtime. The bottle's sugar-laden liquid can remain in your child's mouth for hours or all night. And that creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria to flourish and tooth-weakening acids to form.
Unhealthy Eating and Drinking Habits: If you give a toddler a bottle or sippy cup with milk or juice to carry around, that, too, breeds bacteria. As does letting your child suck on sweets for prolonged periods or eat a lot of sugary foods.
Insufficient Dental Care: Not regularly brushing your toddler's teeth or taking your little one to a dentist regularly. These two non-actions can lead to tooth decay.
To prevent tooth decay in your toddler's mouth, the secret is to reduce the amount of time their teeth are exposed to decay-causing, acid-forming sugars. Here are some actions you can take.
Give sleepy children water only: If you give your child a bottle or drink before bedtime or naptime, always choose water, never milk or juice.
Only pour water into sippy cups and carry-around bottles. Of course, you want to provide your growing child with the nutrients in milk and juices. But it's best you only serve those liquids during mealtimes when your child will drink them within a limited time – rather than sip them slowly throughout the day. (Same goes for any sugary or acidic drinks. And please avoid sugar-filled, acid-packed fizzy drinks.)
Serve more healthy foods, fewer sugary treats. By adding foods full of vitamins and minerals to mealtimes and snack times, you'll significantly and positively impact your child's oral health.
And limit candy, other sugary foods, and carbohydrates to special times when your toddler can enjoy them right away – not suck or chew them for long stretches of time.
Establish an oral health care routine. Definitely brush your toddler's teeth after eating sugary foods, but also make sure you take care of their teeth daily. Here's a great routine you can make loads of fun with songs and games:
Schedule regular dental appointments for your child. Your toddler should visit the dentist before you plan a first birthday party. The NHS provides these tips for your little one's first visit:
During the visit, your dental professionals will:
We know you don't want your child undergoing the same dental procedures you do to treat dental decay. But, unfortunately, if a permanent tooth is affected, depending on the extent of the decay and the damage it's done, children might need these treatments:
So, why work on baby teeth that will fall out eventually? Reasons include:
By starting good oral habits early in your child's life, you're not only protecting your child's baby teeth but their adult teeth, too. Plus, you're laying the groundwork for your child's oral hygiene. Starting healthy oral care habits with toddlers = preventing dental issues throughout your child's lifetime!
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine