While cavities may be a problem for older children due to poor dental hygiene and eating too much sugary food, tooth decay occurs in toddlers as well. Research shows up to 28% of young children between the ages of two and five develop at least one cavity. Even babies can develop cavities, which can be a serious problem.
Cavities in Babies
Baby cavities are serious because they can be the result of a transmittable disease and can be infectious. The disease usually originates with the mother, who then transfers it to her baby. Babies born to women who have cavities or several fillings have a higher risk of becoming infected with decay-causing bacteria. Pediatric dental care in Redding, CA should start around the time teeth begin emerging so that your child’s future teeth are healthy.
Problems Caused by Bad Teeth
Not only may your child suffer from pain if his or her teeth become infected with bacteria, but he or she may develop other problems as well. Healthy teeth are needed so that babies and toddlers develop healthy eating habits. They help with speech development and provide a healthy environment for permanent teeth.
The proper pediatric dental care will help treat any problems your child may have with cavities, even as a baby. A dentist can show you how to gently brush teeth and gums to reduce decay due to bacteria and give you advice about preventing dental problems. For instance, a baby should not be put to bed with a bottle containing milk or juice because the sugar can stay on his or her teeth overnight and allow bacteria to breed.
Professional dental care should start approximately six months after the eruption of a child’s first tooth. However, you can start good dental hygiene habits by wiping off your baby’s gums with a soft damp cloth after he or she has nursed or has been fed. Like Robert L. Sansone, DDS on Facebook.
