We always want to do the best we can when it comes to our family’s health, but the amount of misinformation floating around sometimes makes it hard to know the right course of action to take. The occurrence of cavities in very young children has increased in recent years, at least in part due to the prevalence of fruit juices and other sweet drinks consumed by infants and young children, as well as infrequent dental visits. on the first years. of life.
Since baby teeth are replaced, why are early cavities so detrimental?
Many people are under the impression that milk teeth are not that important to a child’s development, as they eventually fall out and are replaced. In fact, caries and improper development of milk teeth can have serious consequences for the health of permanent teeth. Baby teeth (or deciduous teeth, as they are sometimes called) hold the space needed for future permanent teeth. Each baby tooth remains in place until the permanent tooth below it develops and is ready to grow. When a baby tooth decays and/or becomes structurally damaged, the surrounding teeth can press into the space left by the decayed tooth or teeth. This can mean that permanent teeth grow out of place, possibly resulting in expensive orthodontic work.
Is fruit juice healthy for children?
Most fruit juices contain a large dose of added sugar; many contain as much in a typical serving as a can of soda. Fruit juices also tend to be very acidic; In addition to the fact that the fruit itself is acidic, many juices have citric acid added to give them a pungent flavor. Sugar and acid are two of the main culprits for tooth decay at any age. Even juices that say ‘no sugar added’ still carry all the sugar content of the fruit itself.
If you want to give your child fruit juices, allow them only at mealtimes or for a limited time during the day. It is much better if your teeth are exposed to sugar and acidity for a short period of time, rather than at intervals throughout the day.
Baby bottle tooth decay, or bottle mouth, is a syndrome that occurs in children who carry a bottle or spill-proof cup and drink beverages all day and/or take the bottle to bed or at bedtime. nap. Usually affecting the upper front teeth, baby bottle tooth decay occurs when the front teeth are constantly bombarded with sugary drinks and they become decayed and worn down. Caries and improper development of milk teeth can have serious consequences for the health of permanent teeth.
What else puts a child at risk for early tooth decay?
Many children don’t have their first dental appointment until some or all of their teeth have grown in; Often this is around two, and research indicates that in some areas of the country, up to twenty-five percent of kindergarten-age children have yet to see a dentist. The fact is that a baby should see a dentist when the first tooth grows. Your dentist can check to make sure the other teeth are in good shape and soon after the first, as well as give you some helpful tips on caring for your baby’s teeth as they grow.