Infant Tooth Decay is Real and Could Get Worse

Infant tooth decay is real and does happen. Your baby’s teeth are important. If your child loses his or her tooth too early, the remaining teeth might not move. There also might not be any room for the permanent teeth to come in.

Your Burlington Dentist explains that infant tooth decay is also a real issue. If you don’t think your baby can get tooth decay think again. If left untreated, it will cause pain and be expensive to treat. Untreated tooth decay also leads to infections that could last for the rest of your child’s life.

Referred to as early childhood dental caries, infant tooth decay is very common. Baby dental caries are also called nursing caries.

Start Healthy Oral Habits Early

According to Dr. Mike Morris from Chittenden Dental, teaching proper oral hygiene at an early age helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay in the future. Be sure to wash your baby’s gums with a damp cloth and when the first tooth erupts, brush with a baby toothbrush. Also, remember to schedule your child’s first dental appointment during this time as well.

How Does Infant Tooth Decay Happen?

When your baby’s mouth starts producing bacteria, which can be passed to infants via saliva. Parents need to be aware that testing food before you hand it over to baby could produce more acid and bacteria. Never put a pacifier in your baby’s mouth after you have had it in yours without giving it a good clean.

A baby can also infant tooth decay if he or she is exposed to sugary and fruity drinks. Anything but water will alter the bacteria in your child’s mouth. This converts to acid causing plaque and decay. Never fill a bottle up with juice or anything but water if you plan to leave it in your baby’s mouth over any length of time.

Watch for Signs of Infant Tooth Decay

If you notice any white spots on the upper gum line of your infant’s teeth, call your dentist in Burlington. Although they might be difficult to see in the beginning, they will get worse.

Prevention is worth a pound of cure. Call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Mike Morris. Chittenden Dental helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Call for an appointment for your baby today.