Early Childhood Tooth Decay

What Causes Tooth Decay in Kids?

Several specific types of bacteria that live on the teeth cause decay. When sugar is consumed, the bacteria use the sugar and then manufacture acids that dissolve the teeth and cause an infection in the tooth. This infection is called decay.

What Is Early Childhood Tooth Decay?

Babies who go to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice are more likely to get tooth decay. Because the sugar in formula, milk, or juice stays in contact with the teeth for a long time during the night, the teeth can decay quickly.

Some Tips To Avoid Early Childhood Tooth Decay

Put your child to bed with a bottle of plain water, not milk or juice.

Stop nursing when your child is asleep or has stopped sucking on the bottle.

Try not to let your child walk around using a bottle of milk or juice as a pacifier.

Start to teach your child to drink from a cup at about six months of age. Plan to stop using a bottle by 12 to 14 months at the latest.

Don’t dip your child’s pacifier in honey or sugar.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride helps make teeth strong and prevents tooth decay. Fluoride is frequently found in toothpaste and sometimes in drinking water. Be sure to call your local water authority and ask if your water is fluoridated. If it is, tell your dentist or pediatrician so they can help you determine a proper level of fluoride for your child.

Brinton Pediatric Dentistry has the specialized equipment, facility and staff to properly address today's most demanding pediatric dentistry needs in a warm and caring environment.

Contact Information

1517 Pond Road Allentown, PA 18104

610-395-4800

610-395-7080

Mon - Thurs: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMFri: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

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