How to Prevent Early Tooth Decay in Kids?

“Prevention is better than cure” is a proverb worth quoting when we explore the ways to prevent early tooth decay in children. Dental caries or tooth decay is normally associated with grownups. But with changing lifestyles and food habits, these diseases are seen in children as well.

Most of us don’t realize the consequences and leave tooth decay in kids untreated, thinking that their teeth will be replaced with a good set a few years down the line. The fact is that baby teeth act as placeholders and their premature loss can call for orthodontic interventions and treatments later on.

Read our blog to know the importance of root canal treatment in children with baby teeth.

What Causes Early Tooth Decay In Children?

Several factors can put your child at risk of developing tooth decay.

• Bacteria transfer through parents’ saliva while kissing or testing the food using the same spoon their child uses
• Longer exposure to food such as milk, formula, and fruit juices
• Allowing the child to sleep with a feeding bottle or a pacifier in the mouth
• Extended breastfeeding ignoring oral hygiene

All these factors contribute to the growth of acid-producing bacteria in the mouth leading to plaque buildup, toothache, and dental decay. If your child complains of a toothache, take him to a dentist to evaluate whether he needs a root canal treatment or not.

Tips To Prevent Early Tooth Decay

Early tooth decay in kids is common and can be prevented with proper dental care. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of early tooth decay in your kids:

• Establishing good oral hygiene

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing twice a day can minimise the chances of plaque formation on your kids’ teeth. This also hardens their teeth enamel to prevent the bacterial attack. For babies, use wet wipes to clean their gums after feeding. Once their teeth erupt, start cleaning them with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

• Gestation care

As a mother, you must know that the right care during pregnancy can improve the dental health of your child. A balanced diet is necessary during pregnancy to prevent the risk of enamel hypoplasia in newborn babies. Enamel hypoplasia is a kind of enamel defect that can lead to tooth decay in toddlers. Also, make sure you maintain good oral hygiene and do regular dental visits while you are pregnant.

• Food

Long term exposure to sugary foods can make your child’s mouth a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure you feed them foods that are low in sugar. Try to limit the supply of sticky foods, candies, and smoothies. It is also important that kids are well hydrated; make sure that they drink 6-8 cups of water a day.

Bacteria alone cannot be blamed for the deterioration of dental health, nutritional deficiencies are also a leading cause of dental infections. Including calcium-rich foods, such as milk, fish and leafy vegetables in your kids’ diet can improve their dental health.

• Seeking professional dental care

One of the best ways to prevent and evaluate the risk of early tooth decay in kids would be visiting a dentist in Dubai by their first birthday or immediately after the first few teeth erupt. Scheduling regular visits every six months is also necessary to detect dental problems early.

Early tooth decay is preventable provided you follow these simple dental care tips. In case, you see signs of tooth decay, the right course of action would be taking an appointment with your pediatric dentist in Dubai without any delay.