Tooth decay among preschoolers

By Carleene Grant-Davis, Child & Baby health

Tooth decay is a growing problem among preschoolers, but it can be prevented. Starting children with good dental habits from an early age will help them grow up with healthy smiles.

What is a cavity?

Your child's teeth are protected by an outer coating called enamel. Tooth decay happens when germs in the mouth mix with sugar in foods and drinks. The germs then make acids that break down the enamel. Cavities are holes in the enamel.

Baby teeth are important!

Tooth decay can develop as soon as the first tooth appears. It's important to care for the baby teeth because they set the stage for adult teeth. If baby teeth are lost too early, the teeth that are left may move and not leave any room for the adult teeth to come in. Tooth decay in baby teeth is also painful and can cause infections, which can at times be life-threatening. It can also lead to teasing and speech development problems.

Caring for your child's teeth

Birth to 12 months: Good dental habits begin before the first tooth appears. After feedings, gently brush your baby's gums using water on a baby toothbrush that has soft bristles. Or wipe them with a clean washcloth. Schedule your baby's well-child visits so your child's doctor can check the mouth.

12 to 24 months: Brush your child's teeth two times a day using water on a baby toothbrush that has soft bristles. The best times are after breakfast and before bed. Limit juice to one small cup each day and only at mealtimes.

Discourage sucking habits. Sucking too strongly on a pacifier, a thumb, or fingers can affect the shape of the mouth and how the top and bottom teeth line up. This is called your child's 'bite'. Take your child for a dental check-up if he has not had one.

24 months; Brush! Help your child brush two times a day with a child-size toothbrush that has soft bristles. Encourage brushing on their own. However, you should brush them again. Try to make it a fun activity.

Use a fluoride toothpaste which helps prevent cavities. Teach your child not to swallow it. Use a pea-size amount. Swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause white or brown spots on your child's adult teeth. If your child doesn't like the taste of the toothpaste, try another flavour or use plain water.

You may begin flossing as soon as two teeth touch each other. Take your child for a dental check-up at least once a year.

Tips on preventing tooth decay

If you put your child to bed with a bottle, fill it only with water.

Offer healthy snacks like fruits or vegetables.

Avoid sweet or sticky snacks like candy, cookies.

There is sugar in foods like crackers and chips too. Limit them to mealtime.

Encourage your child to drink water or milk when he is thirsty.

If your child drinks milk at bedtime, make sure to clean his teeth afterwards.

Avoid drinks with lots of sugar and acids like sports drinks, flavoured drinks, lemonade, soda pop, or flavoured teas.

Let's keep them smiling!

Dr Carleene Grant-Davis is a consultant paediatrician and head, Department of Paediatrics, Cornwall Regional Hospital; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.