Even the smallest mouths can run into trouble with bacteria. This is the reason that very young children can be found sporting fillings and even caps. Soft teeth, which was the problem once blamed for early tooth decay, is no longer suspect number one. The decay is actually a result of bacterial infection. This infection can even be passed from mother to child, which is why mothers who have cavities or have received many dental fillings during their lifetime have children with increased risk of tooth decay. The tiny bacteria feed on the same sugars that are found in infant’s milk and can therefore be found along the gum lines and on the teeth of little ones.
It is very important to contact an Austin dentist right away if you suspect that your child has a cavity forming. Though baby teeth are lost and replaced with a second set eventually, the infection that caused the decay can easily spread and cause even bigger problems. Even a mere cavity can become so large that it reaches the center of the tooth, disrupting the root and nerve. This can be very painful for a child, or anyone who sufferers from it. Furthermore, healthy baby teeth make it easier for children to speak and eat, direct the growth and alignment of permanent teeth, and also teach the child about proper oral care for the future.
There are several things that a parent can do to prevent the formation of cavities and the spread of oral infection. This all begins with the mother. Mommies-to-be should be careful to take extra care of their teeth before, during, and after pregnancy. An infection in their own mouths could be transmitted to their children. As the child grows, it is likely that he or she will develop certain habits, such as a bottle before bedtime. However, it is never wise to leave a child with a propped bottle in the crib and excessive nighttime feeding can be very detrimental to oral health.
Proper dental care does not stop after infancy. In fact, it becomes even more essential to care for toddlers teeth properly to ensure they remain healthy as the kids grow. Fluoride drops or tablets are often recommended in households without fluoridated water and teeth should be cleaned regularly (at least two times per day) as soon as they erupt through the gum line. Initially, it may be easier to use a finger with a little beginners’ toothpaste to gently rub the surface of each tooth, but teaching a child to use a toothbrush at an early age can have a great impact on oral health long into the future.
If a tooth does begin to decay, seeking a mercury free dentist should be the first step. The tooth will likely require a filling or other dental restoration to ensure its stability and also to remove any existing infection. When a filling isn’t considered the best option, the dentist may consider other options. While extraction might seem the obvious solution when addressing baby teeth, removing a tooth unnecessarily can create problems as the permanent teeth grow into place. If the infection has reached the pulp of the tooth, then pulling it may be the best option, but the dentist is likely to suggest a spacer to ensure the teeth remain properly aligned. Decay is not always easy to detect in children. They are not likely to report pain until the infection has spread quite severely. Instead, it is important for parents to be on the lookout for discoloration that might point to decay. Teeth bleaching should not be necessary in children. The abnormal color is something that should be addressed with a dentist right away and regular visits with the dentist should be scheduled, with the first taking place by the time of the child’s first birthday.
Austin Dental Center, PC
2304 Hancock Dr. Suite 1
Austin, TX 78756-2537
(512) 454-0414
