Advanced Cosmetic and General Dentistry Blog

A child is susceptible to tooth decay as soon as their first teeth appear, usually by six months of age. This condition is referred to as early childhood caries (cavities) or baby bottle tooth decay.

In some cases the tooth decay is so severe it has resulted in extractions, but fortunately, early childhood caries is a preventable condition.

The tooth decay seen in infants occurs when sweetened liquids are consumed and are left clinging to the infants' teeth and gums for long periods of time. Sweet liquids such as milk, formulas and fruit juices are used by bacteria in the mouth as food. The bacteria produce acids that then attack the teeth. Allowing a child to fall asleep with a bottle during a nap or through the night is a major cause of infant tooth decay. After every bottle the infants’ teeth and gums should be wiped clean with a soft cloth to prevent the bacteria from flourishing.

Baby teeth are very important and play a major role in the future development of permanent teeth. Dental visits for your child should start by their first birthday or sooner if a problem develops. The dentists at Smiles By Sands Cosmetic and Family Dentistry are experienced in the care and treatment of early childhood dental problems.

If you would like to learn more about the problem of early childhood tooth decay and how to prevent it, please contact Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands at Smiles By Sands Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Studio City, California today.

It is not always easy to get children to brush their teeth, and flossing can seem like a lost cause. On the flip side, some children are too enthusiastic about brushing their teeth, tending to use huge amounts of toothpaste and brushing their teeth as vigorously as possible.

Even though enforcing good dental hygiene habits in children can be challenging, it is incredibly important to instill these habits at an early age so you can set a good foundation for them in their adult years. The dentists and dental hygienists at Smiles by Sands are dedicated to helping our younger patients and their parents get the education and training necessary to practice good oral hygiene every day.

There are many steps parents can take to help keep their children's teeth as healthy as possible, including:

• Gently brushing properly two times a day
• Gently flossing or using another type of interdental cleaner one time a day
• Using a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Supervising tooth brushing in children under age 6
• Ensuring that children do not swallow fluoride toothpaste
• Taking children age 3 and older for dental visits every 6 months
• Limiting the amount of juice and sugary snacks in children's diets
• Providing children with healthy meals and snacks
• Talking to a dentist about dental sealants for children's back teeth

Try to make teeth brushing a fun activity for the whole family, rather than a dreaded one. We can help you think of games or special incentives to encourage participation in these activities every day.

We take dental health for children very seriously at Smiles by Sands. If you live in Studio City, California and would like to meet our staff at a private consultation, please contact our office today.