Childhood caries is a common teeth problem among young children.
Given the importance of baby teeth, it is critical to take the necessary measures to prevent tooth decay in babies. Besides, if you don’t prevent tooth decay in your baby, it can be costly, painful, and life-threatening in the long run. Read on to learn how you can prevent tooth decay in your baby.
Tooth Decay Causes in Babies
The presence of acid-producing bacteria in your baby’s mouth can lead to tooth decay. You or your baby’s caregiver saliva can infect your baby with bacteria. Sharing cups and spoons and testing food for the young one before you feed them can infect your child with bacteria in your mouth.
Prolonged exposure to food, water, or any other liquid on your child’s gums and teeth can lead to tooth decay. Once natural sugars are present in food or beverages get into the mouth, they get converted into acids, which dissolves the teeth’s outer part, leading to decay.
Preventing Tooth Decay in Infants – Tips that Work
Ensuring that your kids have a healthy lifestyle is your responsibility as a parent. Now that you know the common causes of tooth decay in babies, the next step should be learning how to prevent dental caries in your child.
Here are simple tips to follow to ensure that your baby’s teeth remain healthy at all times.
- Do Away with the Sugar
Sugar is a catalyst in tooth decay. Whereas it might be challenging to scrap off sugar from your child’s diet, it is advisable to limit it significantly.
Avoid refined sugars such as commercial teething biscuits and only focus on natural sugars like the ones found in dried fruits. Start by reducing your child’s intake of sweets and always provide them with whole meals.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups
Taking your child for regular dental checkups is a suitable way to prevent tooth decay in babies. During such visits, the dentist examines your child’s teeth and gums for any abnormalities that might lead to tooth decay. Additionally, a dentist will guide you on the recommendable diet for the young ones and how to avoid sugary substances.
Get in touch with Bowral Street Dental Practice to book a dental appointment for your baby.
- Teach the Baby to Brush Before Bedtime
One of the critical elements in your toddler’s essential list should be a toothbrush. Teaching the kids the importance of brushing their teeth is one significant way to prevent tooth decay right through their childhood.
The best time to brush your baby’s teeth is after meals and before going to bed. If they are too small to brush, soak gauze in warm water and use it to wipe any milk residue before putting them on the bed.
- Use the Right Toothpaste
One of the challenges that most parents have when it comes to their baby’s dental care is deciding which toothpaste is best for them. The American Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste after your kids grow the first tooth. Nevertheless, it is vital to use a small amount of toothpaste when they are below three years old.
Taking care of your baby’s teeth is your responsibility. So, learning what it takes to keep the teeth and gums healthy is necessary. Use the above tips to prevent tooth decay in your little ones!
