In the Know for You to Know
It’s about keeping your Baby’s and Toddler’s teeth healthy.
Did you know frequent and prolonged exposure of a Baby’s teeth to sugary liquids can lead to cavities at an early age?
This used to be called “Bottle Rot” and “Baby Bottle Cavities.” Today we call this Early Childhood Caries or ECC.
What is Early Childhood Caries?
Early Childhood Caries are cavities which happen with frequent sleep time bottle feeding or breast feeding on demand, or using a bottle as a pacifier when babies are fussy and you’re trying to to put them to bed. Bottle feedings and sippy cups with juice, milk with flavored syrups, and frequently consuming sugar-added snacks and drinks.
How do I know this is happening?
What does this look like?
There is a very specific look to the teeth and pattern in how this happens.
Have you noticed white spots on the teeth or around the gum lines? This is what early stage cavities look like. Those extra white chalky looking spots that don’t match up with the rest of the tooth color. This is the time to visit your Pediatric Dentist for early treatment.
As cavities get bigger those white spots change color to brown or black and become holes in the teeth. The holes continue to get bigger and pieces of tooth start to break off. You may notice red swollen gums or bad breath. You may notice a pimple on the gums, or a new onset fever which indicates an infection is brewing.
Which teeth are involved?
The most noticeable are the top front teeth. Eventually, some sooner than others, they all become involved. You may notice this on the back teeth when your Baby opens really wide and pulls their head back.
This is the point when you really have to see the Pediatric Dentist. Letting this go any further is not an option.
They’re Baby Teeth, why are they so important?
A lot of people feel that because baby teeth will eventually fall out and adult teeth grow in, there is no reason to take care of baby teeth; however this is a very common misconception.
Cavity ridden and infected baby teeth have an impact on a child’s health and can cause many health problems.
Healthy baby teeth are important to allow your Child to be pain free, help them chew their food properly, give them their adorable smile, allow them to speak well, and to grow healthy and happy.
What can I do to decrease the risk of my Baby developing cavities?
The answer comes down to 4 simple to do things –
Clean your Child’s mouth with a wet wash cloth after each feeding from the time they’re born,
Avoid letting them go to sleep without cleaning their mouths,
Avoid sugary and starchy liquids and foods,
Schedule your first Pediatric Dentist appointment as your Child’s first tooth is coming into their mouth.
Now tell me, What is Your Goal for Your Child?
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
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