Tooth decay in kids can lead to crowded teeth

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alisa Howell
  • 75th Dental Squadron
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and to smile with confidence. When children's primary ("baby") teeth are lost too early, the surrounding teeth can drift into the empty space. This can lead to crowding of the permanent ("adult") teeth in addition to other problems including difficulty cleaning teeth properly and chewing food.

Protecting teeth from early tooth loss can help prevent these issues. Around the age of 6-10 months, the first primary teeth will start to erupt into the mouth. Once teeth erupt they become vulnerable to decay.

Tooth decay in children can be initiated by bacteria being passed from the caregivers to the child. This can simply happen when the caregiver shares the same spoon or licks a pacifier before giving it to the child. This is why it is important for caregivers to maintain their own oral health. Another factor for tooth decay is the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby's teeth to liquids, like sweetened water, fruit juice, milk, breast milk and formula. If an infant is put to bed with a bottle of milk (natural or formula) this prolonged exposure can cause significant tooth decay and is referred to as "baby bottle tooth decay."

Some helpful tips for preventing tooth decay in children include:
  • Maintaining the oral health of caregivers
  • Not sharing saliva with the baby through common use of feeding spoons or licking pacifiers
  • When your child's teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a child's size toothbrush and water. (Consult with your child's dentist or physician if you are considering using fluoride toothpaste before the age of two)
  • Avoiding sugar containing liquids such as juice or soft drinks
  • If your child uses a pacifier, provide one that is clean, don't dip it in sugar containing liquids or put it in your mouth before giving it to the child
  • Avoid putting infants or toddlers to bed with a bottle.

Preparing children for a lifetime of good oral health must start early. Good education, hygiene, and good habits of caregivers are the best advantages a child can have to start them down the path to healthy teeth.