Baby teeth could start showing up in your little tot’s
mouth from as early as 6 months old. More often than not, it’s the front teeth
that begin to show. The brand new pearly whites may brighten up your baby’s
smile, and they don’t only look adorable, but they also help chew food, speak
correctly, and make sure the adult teeth come out correctly. However, your baby’s front teeth are also very
susceptible to the no.1 leading disease in small children: Tooth decay.
Tooth decay, otherwise known as cavities or dental
caries; may appear as brown or dark spots in your teeth that are actually rotting
holes created by a complex three-way interaction between bacteria, food, and
the tooth surface. They don’t look good, they may or may not cause pain, and
they may bring about other complications such as swelling, difficulty in
eating, or even bad breath. Unfortunately,
tooth decay could happen to children with new teeth from as young as 1 year
old.
Bottle feeding is a major contributor to the rising
number of tooth decay in children, so much so that dental care workers are
calling it ‘Bottle Tooth Decay’. As the name suggests, the source can be traced
directly back to bottle feeding thanks to prolonged exposure of the baby’s
teeth to sugar from milk or etc. This particular category of decay is
concentrated mainly at the upper front baby tooth, although other teeth can
also be affected. The upper front teeth, or incissors, typically stay on until
7 or 8 years old. That may not seem like a long time, but damage to these teeth
usually occur early and can have a lasting effect.
Prevention is better than cure! Fret not, parents, as there’s
a way to get around bottle tooth decay. Below
are the major preventive steps:
1. Check
your baby’s teeth regularly! Parents are encouraged to lift up the baby’s lips
to check the front teeth once every day. Make sure to use good lighting.
2. Keep your
children’s mouth clean. Parents could help clean their children’s teeth as soon
as they begin to erupt. Use soft children’s toothbrush or a clean damp towel to
rub at the teeth and the gum area. Do it softly, so as not to traumatise the
gums.
3. Use a smear
of fluoridated childrens’ toothpaste to help clean the teeth. The American
Dental Association recommends using a pea-sized toothpaste once your children
are 3 years old. Clean the teeth twice a day, or after feeding.
4. Your
children’s toothbrushing should be supervised to ensure that they clean
properly, and that they spit out the toothpaste. Discourage your children from
swallowing toothpaste.
5. Try not to let your baby sleep with the
feeding bottle. Make sure to take out the bottle once they’ve fallen asleep.
6. Limit
your children’s intake of sugar, sweets, and juices/acidic drinks. You could
also try substituting water for the formula milk or other sweetened drinks in
your baby’s feeding bottle.
7. Try not
to share saliva with the baby through common use of feeding spoon or pacifiers.
If the dark spots have already begun their teeth
invasion, there are various treatments available that aren’t necessarily
invasive. However, it is imperative that you bring your children to see the
dentist as soon as possible. The following are some of the treatments
available:
1. Topical
fluoride application is a painless method to encourage remineralisation of
teeth with minimal caries. These banana or orange-flavoured gel is applied
directly onto the affected teeth, and parents are generally advised to return
for a second or third application.
2. Carious
baby teeth could be restored using filling material to look almost brand-new.
Dental
treatment on bottle tooth decay often depend on the severity of the disease. If
left untreated, the decay might progress and cause pain or swelling. Extraction
might not be necessary as studies have shown that asymptomatic carious
deciduous teeth can remain painless up to the point of exfoliation. This is
provided that a rigorous oral hygiene regime is set in place.
In conclusion, baby tooth decay is a preventable disease.
Bring your baby or toddler for their first dental visit when their first teeth
have erupted. The dental care team could provide you with detailed insight on
your baby’s oral condition, and further care instructions that are tailored
around your loved one. Remember: starting early is the key to a lifetime
of good dental health.
Dr Nur Sakinah Abdul Halim
Pegawai Pergigian
Klinik Pergigian Parit Jawa, Muar
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