Preventing Toddler Tooth Decay

As dentists in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, one thing we'd like to never see again is a toddler who is already on their way to having bad teeth. Good dental habits truly should begin with the first teeth and become a lifelong habit. Unfortunately, on the other hand, toddlers with tooth decay are at far higher risk of other dental problems later in life. Bad teeth in early childhood will often lead to later orthodontic problems.

Worse, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, more than 1/4 of all children under the age of five develop at least one cavity. So protecting your child's teeth begins as soon as teething begins.

A Dentist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Offers Advice On Avoiding Toddler Tooth Decay

When it comes to causes, by far the most common reason a toddler's teeth will start to decay is if they go to bed with a bottle. Parents, please, never do this. Imagine taking a drink of milk, or apple juice, right before bed and then simply allowing it to sit there in your mouth all night. That's exactly what happens when a child goes to bed with a bottle! The sugary drinks create a near-perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

In fact, it's generally best to avoid sugary drinks entirely -and yes, that includes milk- when it's close to bedtime. Only give them water, which will cause far fewer issues.

Floss!

Likewise, as soon as your child has teeth, you should be brushing and flossing them before bed, just like adult teeth. This doesn't just help protect their teeth from decay, it also helps instill good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. One warning, however - children under the age of 2-3 should not be given toothpaste with fluoride. They need to be old enough to understand that they should spit, not swallow, before introducing fluoride tooth care.

Finally, it's a good idea for your child's first dental appointment to be between 12-18 months. That gives your dentist an opportunity to gauge how their teeth are starting to come in.

Choose A Family-Friendly Dentist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Empower Dental Rancho wants to see your entire family grow up with great teeth, and great oral hygiene habits to go alongside. If it's time for baby's first dental checkup, contact us today to schedule an appointment!