Tooth Decay and Treatment in Infants
According to experts, tooth decay is the most popular childhood disease that can affect at least 1 in 10 children. Untreated dental caries can also have negative consequences for future oral health in babies.
Although tooth decay in babies is a serious problem, proactive changes in eating, drinking and oral care can prevent this problem to a great extent. Symptoms of tooth decay in babies generally include:
White spots: The appearance of such spots indicates that the baby’s gums have started to deteriorate, and the teeth that come out soon begin to decay.
Toothache: Pain begins in the affected gums, teeth and around the baby.
Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot or cold occurs. However, some foods, such as sweets, can further increase this sensitivity.
How to Tell Tooth Decay in Babies?
It can be extremely difficult to recognize early tooth decay in babies. The first sign of tooth decay is the development of dull and white spots along the gum line. However, brown spots may occur on the teeth, and the gums may also be red and swollen. Also, darkening of the baby’s teeth occurs in the advanced stage. Although the symptoms of tooth decay in every baby are different, the symptoms of tooth decay in babies in general are:
White spots begin to appear on the affected areas and teeth. These stains mean that the enamel is starting to wear off and they can also cause early tooth sensitivity.
Openings can also form between teeth. In the early stages, the interdental spaces have a light brown colour.
The openings in the teeth deepen over time and the colour between the teeth turns into a darker tone.
In the advanced stage, pain develops around the tooth and gums.
Sensitivity to hot or cold occurs.
The symptoms of tooth decay are not the same in every baby. Interdental spaces do not cause symptoms in all cases.
How Can Tooth Decay Be Prevented in Babies?
Baby’s healthy oral hygiene starts with the mother. Therefore, the mother must maintain oral hygiene before the baby is born. During this period, they should see the dentist, and take care oral health. Ways to prevent dental caries in babies include:
As soon as the baby is born, mothers should clean the inside of the mouth frequently. Up to 12 months after birth, they should frequently wipe the gums of babies with a clean cloth. When the first tooth starts to erupt, mothers can use a soft baby brush, and brush the teeth gently with fluoride-based toothpaste. Mothers should brush teeth of babies between 12 and 36 months twice a day and for at least two minutes.
It is wrong to use the bottle and pacifier for a long time. Over time, these can lead to another problem called bottle tooth decay.
Other Ways To Prevent Tooth Decay in Babies
Mothers should teach babies to drink liquid from the glass as early as possible. Drinking from the glass greatly reduces the chance of liquids gathering around the teeth. In addition, babies should drink plenty of water.
Mothers should also control dessert consumption. They can limit desserts and other sticky foods. Chewing gum, candy, fruit pickings, cookies, and other sugary foods can stick to teeth. They should immediately clean their babies’ teeth after eating such foods.
Juices should be given correctly. Juices should only be served during the meal. Juices given to babies between 6 and 12 months of age should be limited to 120 ml per day and diluted with half a glass of water. For children between the ages of 1 and 6, fruit juice consumption during the day should be limited to 100 to 170 ml.
If there is any concern about the development of teeth, the dentist should be visited. In this way, earlier diagnosis and treatment can be done easily. Having a treatment from experienced doctors make a difference, so please check our website for more information.