Caring for baby teeth is really important in Dentistry for Kids. These teeth help kids chew food, talk, and keep space for adult teeth that will come later. If you don’t take care of baby teeth, they can develop cavities or cause pain. Children with cavities might struggle in school, feeling embarrassed about discolored teeth.

Treating cavities helps fix these issues and teaches kids the importance of visiting the dentist. This familiarity can encourage them to take care of their adult teeth later on. If baby teeth have cavities, they can lose structure, leading to space loss and crowding of permanent teeth. Infections in baby teeth can also affect the shape of adult teeth. Therefore, it’s vital to treat cavities early.

What Are Early Childhood Caries?

Early childhood caries, commonly known as cavities, refers to tooth decay in young children, particularly in their baby teeth. This type of decay is known as baby bottle tooth decay. It’s good to remember that cavities can start when baby teeth begin to come in, usually around 6 months to 1 year old. Taking care of these teeth early promotes their health and prevents decay, which is an essential part of Dentistry for Kids.

Baby teeth play a crucial role in preparing the way for permanent teeth. If kids and parents focus on caring for them, permanent teeth will likely be well cared for. Additionally, you can notice any unusual patterns in the growth or shape of baby teeth that may signal potential health issues that are not detected until later.

Why Do Cavities Happen?

Cavities happen when sugars from food and drinks mix with bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria turn sugar into acid, which can harm the enamel. Each time a child consumes something sugary, acid begins to form within 20 minutes and can harm the teeth if not cleaned away. Saliva helps wash away some of this acid, but during sleep, saliva production decreases, allowing bacteria more time to create acid.

Baby teeth have less durable enamel than adult teeth, making them more prone to cavities. They are often the first to display signs of decay. If you don’t treat them, these spots can become brown holes. We recommend visiting a dental clinic in Kota for proper care of your young ones.

How Can Parents Prevent Cavities?

Preventing cavities is an important step. Here are some tips to help maintain your child’s dental health.

• Once the first tooth appears, brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. If your child is under 3 years old, you should use a rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Try to limit nighttime feedings for your baby. If they fall asleep while nursing, gently detach the breast from their mouth.
• Floss first to remove debris, then brush. For children under 3, use just a little bit of fluoride toothpaste.

Facing dental issues and unsure which doctor to visit? No need to worry! Singhvi Dental Clinic, a top dental clinic in Kota, offering advanced Laser Dentistry Services in Kota, is here to help!

FAQs

Is teeth grinding normal in children?
Yes, it’s common and usually resolves by age 6 without causing pain.

How should I handle it if my child resists brushing their teeth?
Try brushing during bath time, using a video as a distraction, or laying them down while you brush.

At what age should I continue to assist my child with brushing their teeth?
Help them until they can tie their shoelaces, usually around age 6–7.

What toothpaste is best for my child?
For kids under 3, use a smear of regular toothpaste; it’s safe and effective.

Source URL : https://medium.com/@marketing_17134/understanding-early-childhood-caries-a-guide-for-parents-70b9848e46fd