If you’ve ever wondered whether baby teeth can have cavities, how to clean baby teeth, when to take your baby to a first dental appointment, or how to prevent long-term problems, then this article is for you! Read this article about baby teeth and their correct care.
Can baby teeth have cavities?
Definitely! Early childhood cavities can develop quickly, as the enamel (or the protective layer of the teeth) is thinner on baby teeth. Since it is usually more difficult to brush a baby’s or toddler’s teeth than an older child’s, cavities are common. Some reasons for cavities in baby teeth include these:
- Infrequent brushing and cleaning
- High sugar intake
- Genetic factors
- Feeding right before going to bed
- Unhealthy diet
In addition, it is essential to have a regular check-up by a dental professional to prevent cavities.
Should my dentist fix cavities in baby teeth?
The general answer is yes. Dentists should fix cavities in baby teeth. However, your dentist will evaluate each case on an individual basis. For example, if a baby tooth is about to fall out naturally, it may not need to be fixed. Also, a dentist would probably not fix baby teeth if the procedure is:
- Highly painful
- Too pricey
- Time-consuming
- Overly complicated
Baby teeth will eventually fall out on their own. However, there are some reasons why we should fix them.
When to fix baby teeth?
If the tooth is decayed, damaged, or causing pain to the child, it is essential to cure it. Some reasons for fixing baby teeth include:
- Prevent and cure pain: When a baby tooth is damaged or decayed, it can cause discomfort to the child. Fixing it can help relieve the pain.
- Prevent infections: Decayment of baby teeth can lead to infections. By fixing baby teeth, we prevent infections.
- Maintain oral hygiene: Baby teeth are essential in maintaining space for the teeth to come. In addition, healing baby teeth can help keep the hygiene of the rest of the teeth.
- Prevent future complications: Cavities in baby teeth and poor hygiene can lead to more serious complications, for example, abscesses or gum disease.
In general, dentists must decide when a baby tooth is worth fixing. However, as parents, we can always seek a second opinion.
How can I care for children’s baby teeth?
As parents, in addition to all your new responsibilities, you may not be very aware of how necessary it is to take care of teeth from the time they erupt. Nevertheless, following a few simple steps and tips, tooth care becomes part of a healthy routine that will benefit your children for a lifetime.
Tips to prevent cavities in baby teeth
- Maintain good hygiene: After feeding and before going to bed, clean the gums with a wet cloth or gauze pad. Once the first tooth appears, brush it at least twice a day in addition to going to the dentist.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks: Avoid giving your child snacks or beverages with high sugar content. Avoiding these foods, especially before going to sleep, improves their dental hygiene.
- Avoid sharing bacteria: It is recommended not to share utensils or toothbrushes with your child to avoid passing cavity-causing bacteria.
- Avoid sleeping with a bottle: Giving your children bottles to go to sleep is one of the most common reasons for baby teeth to get cavities. Some professionals refer to early cavities as baby bottle tooth decay. From 12 months, make the transition to a cup.
- Visit the dentist regularly: From the time the first tooth erupts or around the first teeth, it is necessary to visit the dentist to prevent cavities. In addition, visiting the dentist before your children have problems will help them feel confident about going to the dentist.
- Maintain a healthy diet: A balanced diet without added sugar helps overall dental health. For example, eating plenty of calcium and phosphorus helps avoid cavities in the long run.
- Make water the drink of choice in your household: Drinking plenty of water helps prevent decay-causing bacteria. In addition, drinking water as a family instead of sugary beverages helps our children create good habits for their teeth and health.
Some literature suggests that prolonged breastfeeding protects baby teeth. However, even if you breastfeed, you should clean your child’s teeth as soon as they erupt.
When to take my kid for a first dental visit?
You should take your children for their first dental visit when their first tooth erupts or when they are one year old. The dentist can observe the development of the gums and teeth. This first visit helps children to develop better dental hygiene habits and to see the dentist as friendly. Your dentist can also advise you on common issues such as thumb sucking and even when it is considered normal.
Baby teeth may fall out independently, but they need care just like permanent teeth do.
During this first visit, the dentist will examine their gums, teeth, and jaw and advise you on oral and dental hygiene. Remember that one of the most significant advantages of visiting the dentist from an early age is that it makes future visits less intimidating for your child.
The bottom line: cavity prevention is a family matter
Whether it’s your first or seventh child, creating healthy routines starts with your example and your routines. Consider brushing your child’s teeth along with a routine such as music, a book, and then bedtime at the same time every day. The routine you create helps your children get used to reminding themselves to remember their dental hygiene. If your children see how well you take care of your own teeth, they will mimic you and take care of their teeth.
Sources:
Recent Comments