Whether we like it or not, dental emergencies can happen at a very young age and even infants and toddlers can become victims of tooth decay. One of the reasons is that the hard outer enamel layer of their teeth is significantly softer and thinner than ours.

With kids, it’s particularly important to take proper care of their teeth right from the beginning.

What causes tooth decay in infants and toddlers?

Bacteria in the mouth thrive on the sugars contained in drinks and foods. These bacteria in turn cause acid buildup which breaks down the enamel surface of the teeth. Saliva to a certain extent helps to contain this, but over a long period damage can exceed repair, and the result will be a hole (cavity) in the tooth.

The tooth decay process during early childhood

Dental experts refer to the process of tooth decay as ‘caries’. During the initial stages, the teeth often develop chalky white areas. It’s only later on that these areas become black or brown. In the case of infants and toddlers, the most commonly affected teeth are the four upper front ones.

This condition is often described as ‘baby bottle decay’, ‘infant feeding caries’, or ‘nursing bottle caries’. The reason dentists sometimes use these terms is because of strong evidence that caries in infants and toddlers often take place when they are put to sleep with a bottle of sweet drink, milk, or something similar.

The problem here is that these drinks can pool in the child’s mouth. If they contain lactose sugar this feeds the bacteria that are behind tooth decay. And because saliva flow is significantly lower when we sleep, the decay process can silently continue the whole time.

‎Caries during early childhood can also take place if toddlers are given sweet drinks, including cordials, fruit juices, and other soft drinks. That is why it’s best to steer clear of sugary drinks and foods, particularly between meals.

Signs of tooth decay in infants and toddlers

It takes quite a while for caries to develop during early childhood, and it can be hard to spot during the initial stages.

It often shows itself as:

  • A pale white strip on the surface of the tooth nearest to the gum line. This usually happens first and many parents don’t pick it up.
  • A brown, yellow, or black strip on the surface of the tooth nearest to the gum line. This indicates that the decay is getting worse.
  • Teeth that resemble black-brownish stumps are an indication that the kid has advanced tooth decay.

Tooth decay during the earliest stages can often still be reversed by a dentist or oral health expert. Sadly though, because it’s difficult to spot during these stages, decay is often only picked up when it has progressed beyond repair. By that time, the kid might need major dental treatment.

Preventing tooth decay in infants and toddlers

Parents can help to prevent tooth decay in infants and toddlers by introducing good cleaning and healthy eating habits as early as possible. For more advice on better oral health practices for toddlers, go for a check up with the dentist in Williamsburg. 

Good cleaning habits can play an important role in preventing tooth decay because regularly brushing or cleaning your infant or toddler’s teeth helps to remove tooth-decaying bacteria. Here are some tips:

  • Begin to regularly clean the child’s teeth the moment the first tooth makes its appearance. Use a small kiddie’s toothbrush with water or a wet cloth.
  • Once he or she turns 18 months, use a soft, small toothbrush with a small amount of low-fluoride toothpaste to brush the teeth. Don’t use standard fluoride toothpaste at this age.
  • If the authorities in your area don’t add fluoride to the drinking water, discuss this with your dentist.
  • Teeth should be brushed twice daily (morning and night). Remember to also brush along the gum line.
  • Accept that you will have to help your kid brush his or her teeth until they can do it properly themselves.

Feeding/eating habits can also go a long way to help to avert tooth decay.

  • As soon as the child has finished feeding, remove him or her from the breast or bottle
  • Under no circumstances feed them sweet drinks
  • Do not put them to sleep with a bottle
  • Begin feeding your baby from a feeding cup from around 6 months of age. By about 12 months, he or she must preferably be drinking from a cup only
  • Babies can begin to eat solid foods from about 6 months of age. Give them a wide selection of nutritious foods with various flavors and textures.
  • Toddlers over 12 months should drink mainly water or plain full-fat milk. From two years on they can be given low-fat milk. Fruit juice is not beneficial or necessary for infants and toddlers because of its acidity and high sugar content.
  • Whenever possible ask for sugar-free medication for your child
  • Never dip the child’s dummy in something sweet, e.g. jam, honey, or sugar
  • Examine his or her mouth regularly for signs of tooth decay

The importance of dental checks

A dental check by a qualified professional is the best way to spot early signs of tooth decay. That’s why It’s a very good idea to take your child for a dental checkup when he or she reaches the age of two. This can be carried out by a dentist, but also by a doctor, child health nurse, maternal nurse, or another health or dental professional. Continue this tradition as the child grows older. This gentle dentist in Melbourne also highly recommends bringing them to a pediatric dentist as they are more trained to deal with kids who have dental anxiety.

Tooth decay and chalky teeth

Nearly one out of every six kids have what is widely referred to as ‘chalky teeth’. These appear as very white or creamy-brown spots, especially on the back teeth (molars).

Your infant or toddler’s teeth can turn ‘chalky’ if the enamel surface of the tooth fails to harden properly during the formation process. Since these teeth are particularly vulnerable, they have a very high risk of tooth decay.

Chalky teeth can affect a baby molars as well as permanent adult molars. If you believe your kid might have chalky teeth, consult your dentist. If the decay has spread further than the surface of the tooth, a procedure similar to a root canal might be needed.

Dental procedures can sometimes become quite expensive. Particularly if you have more than one child, dental payment options are useful.