As Australia’s local Dentist, Pacific Smiles Dental has over 110 centres to allow convenient access to the dental services you need.
Tooth decay, also known as caries, can be caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.
Babies and children are prone to tooth decay because the protective enamel coating on their teeth is thinner and softer than in adults’ teeth. When a baby or child settles to sleep sucking on a bottle, their teeth are exposed to sugars which can build up on their teeth. Saliva flow protects teeth, but during sleep, saliva flow slows down so there is less protection against decay.
As with adults, tooth decay happens when germs in the mouth create a sticky coating called plaque, on the tooth surface. Bottles of milk, juice or fluids other than water increase the risk of dental decay so it’s important to limit or avoid having these.
There are tips you can follow at each stage of your child’s teeth journey, but these need to start in the early months of life.
Bottle caries is a common condition where a child’s upper front teeth (upper incisors) are exposed to sugars, causing acid attacks.
Get into the habit of checking your child’s teeth each time you brush them. If you see any changes or anything unusual, book an appointment with your dentist. In the very early stages of decay, caries can be reversed, and teeth may be remineralised with dental treatment.
We recommend that a baby’s first dental visit should occur around the time their first tooth erupts or at 1 year of age, whichever comes first. Building a good relationship with your dentist early on helps children to become comfortable and develop trust. Guidance on keeping your child’s teeth healthy, as well as tips to prevent decay, will help to keep their mouth healthy. Book an appointment with your Pacific Smiles dentist today.
As Australia’s local Dentist, Pacific Smiles Dental has over 110 centres to allow convenient access to the dental services you need.