Tooth Decay In Toddlers & How to prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth Decay In Toddlers

Tooth Decay in kids

Tooth decay is a condition that affects both adults and toddlers. Around 42 percent of children in between ages 2 to 11 has a cavity in their primary teeth. The cavities and tooth decay happen in the children frequently. The parents need to have the patience to talk about these conditions and provide a better oral care. In this post, we will tell about the various reasons for tooth decay in toddlers and how to prevent and treat them.

Reasons For Tooth Decay In Toddlers

The tooth decay is also known as a cavity or dental caries. Tooth decay is a bacterial activity. The primary teeth are attacked by various bacterias in the mouth and tooth decay occurs. There will be a color change to the teeth while tooth decay in toddlers.

tooth dental

There are various reasons for tooth decay. The major problem is the remaining food particles in the mouth. They will give good ambiance to the bacteria to grow. The improper dental care is the other reason for tooth decay. If you don’t brush your child’s teeth properly, the bacteria can attack the teeth easily. Many toddlers don’t like to brush. They will just eat the toothpaste since it may have various fruit flavors. So the cleaning is not properly done. As a toddler, they will start to take milk or water in bottles. In the night they will most often drink milk. And they may have prolonged sleep too. Then baby bottle tooth decay occurs. Because the milk or the juice in the bottle creates the best breeding site for the bacteria. If your children suck the candy for a long time, then the sweetness will attract more bacteria in the mouth. Children are found of sugary foods and if they forget to clean the mouth after eating, the chances of bacterial growth are high.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Toddlers

Following are the tips to prevent tooth decay in toddlers.

  • To avoid baby bottle tooth decay you shouldn’t let your child go to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. If you need to give a drink to your child before bed you can use water. They will drink juices or milk or sugary drinks fast. So there will be less chance that they will act on teeth. But when they sip from a bottle or cup the teeth will get contact with the food particles and thus it invites more bacteria.
  • When the milk teeth are starting to popping out try to do the brushing process with soft brushes. Do it daily to remove the food particles in the deep corners of the mouth.
  • Avoid sugary food items at least in the night. Also, try to avoid citrus fruits which are high in acid. They will weaken the enamel and chances of cavities are high.
  • Try to use a child-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. The toddler must know to spit the toothpaste after brushing. Otherwise, they may swallow the toothpaste. You should assist the child while they brush. Make it as a routine habit. Then only the child can have a good smile.

Treatment for Tooth Decay in Toddlers

tooth decay

Once the tooth decay is detected in your child you need to be more cautious. Even though the first teeth are going to fall out easily the proper dental care is needed. You may need to use fillings to correct smaller cavities. If the damages are really high then you need to do a full crown treatment to reduce other serious issues. If we don’t treat tooth decay it will spread to other teeth. And it may harm the new adult teeth. If primary teeth decay is severe then pitting or staining may cause in the adult teeth.

From the childhood itself, you need to provide the good oral habits. Teach them how to brush and floss. And help them to give the good food. The sugary or junk foods are harmful to the teeth as well as the health. If you teach good oral habits then they will follow it throughout his lifetime. All Smiles Dental Spa is there to give you best and good suggestions to make your child develop a healthy oral health.

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