also help make sure the adult teeth come in correctly. Help your child start off with good oral care to protect their teeth. ‚
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What are the causes?
Everyone has germs in the mouth. After your child eats or drinks, there are sugar or food pieces left on the teeth. The germs combine with the sugar or food and make acid. The acid can eat away at the protective enamel of the tooth and cause tooth decay. Your child can have decay on the tooth surface or deep into the tooth. Your child may not notice any signs. If your child does, it is because the decay is starting to get worse and harm the nerve of the tooth. ‚
Foods and drinks like formula, juice, soda, fruit, cake, and candy all have sugars and starch in them. These combine with germs to make plaque. Plaque is a film-like coating on the teeth that forms over time. If it stays on your childs teeth, it will destroy the outside protective enamel layer of the tooth. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay. Your dentist can help you remove the plaque that causes cavities. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Children who are put to bed with a bottle or sippy cup are more likely to have teeth that are exposed to sugar for a long time.
- Germs can be passed from a caregiver to a child as well. Sometimes a caregiver puts the babys spoon in their mouth or cleans a pacifier in their mouth. Both of these can transfer germs from caregiver to child.
- Children who walk around with a bottle or sippy cup in their mouth are more likely to have early tooth decay.
- Not having enough fluoride can also make a child more likely to have tooth decay.
What are the main signs?
Your child may have: ‚
- Teeth that have white, gray, black, or brown color spots on them
- A sore tooth
- Tooth pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet
- Bad breath
- A hole in a tooth
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your childs dentist will look at your child's teeth. There will also be a physical check with slight poking and tapping on the teeth. Sometimes, the dentist will use x-rays to look for cavities. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- The dentist may apply a coating of fluoride to the teeth. This works best if the decay is in the earliest stage.
- The dentist may remove the decay. Your childs tooth will need a filling or a cap if the decay has eaten away the surface enamel.
- The dentist may do a nerve treatment or root canal. This is needed when the nerve inside the tooth is infected.
- Your child may need to have the tooth pulled. This is needed if there is so much decay the tooth can't be saved.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Do not let your child sleep while feeding on a bottle or sippy cup. This may cause tooth decay.
- Use your babys bottle for breast milk, infant formula, or water only.
- Do not give your baby soda, kool-aid, or any drinks with added sugar.
- Limit juice to 2 to 4 ounces each day.
- Wipe your baby's gums with a clean wet washcloth after feedings.
- When your baby has teeth, begin brushing using a soft toothbrush and water.
- After 12 months of age, brush your child's teeth at morning and night with a thin smear of toothpaste.
- Floss your child's teeth at least 1 time each day.
What drugs may be needed?
- The dentist may order drugs to:
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
If the tooth decay is not fixed, your child could have: ‚
- Pain
- Infection
- Tooth loss
- Crowded permanent teeth
- Speech problems
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatric Dentists ‚
http://www.aapd.org/assets/2/7/Education_-_Caries.pdf ‚
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/pages/Preventing-Tooth-Decay-in-Children.aspx ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay ‚
Indiana State Department of Health ‚
http://www.in.gov/isdh/18717.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚