Decayed Baby Teeth

Did you know that more than 75 percent of American children who still get cavities are under three years old?  "Baby-bottle tooth decay" is the culprit, and it can affect any baby or toddler who is given a bottle or sippy cup containing formula, milk, juice or other sweetened liquid as a pacifier. Baby-bottle tooth decay occurs when liquids containing any sugar come into frequent, prolonged contact with the surface of the teeth.  When a baby falls asleep with a mouthful of liquid, the liquid pools around the gums and teeth.  Add to that fact that the flow of tooth-cleaning saliva is lowest during sleep, and you have the ideal environment for starting the cavity process.  The best advice: try not to use the bottle or cup as a pacifier.  If you must resort to using a bottle, fill it with water, which won't harm the baby's teeth.

The American Dental Association recommends the first check-up to be around the time of your baby's first birthday.  Early preventative dental care can detect little problems before they become big ones - stay healthy and save money!

To insure that your child enjoys a lifetime of good dental health, it is important to begin oral hygiene in infancy.  Babies usually like to have their gums gently rubbed.  As a parent, when you do this you are starting a habit that will provide a head start for your child's healthy teeth and gums.  Here is how to do it: Support the baby's head and gently rub the gums with gauze or a clean washcloth.  Use just enough pressure to remove any milk debris or plaque.  This should be done each day before the teeth erupt.  As soon as your baby's teeth do come in, they should be cleaned with a small soft toothbrush.  We can supply everything you need.  Gently brush both the front and the back of each tooth.  Continue to clean the gums well.  Toothpaste is not necessary.  Brush for the child at least once per day.  Evening is the best time.

To clean a young child's teeth, have the child stand with his or her back leaning against you.  Cup your hand under their chin and tilt the head upward.  This position will allow you to clean the back teeth (molars).  Use a pea size dab of fluoride toothpaste for children.  All teeth that are close to each other should be cleaned between with floss.  To insure that the job is done correctly, parents should assist with and monitor both brushing and flossing until the child is at least eight years old.