Are Your Toofies Showing?
Posted on Thu, Mar 03, 2011
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, tooth decay is the leading infectious disease in children. This strongly emphasizes the need for regular dental visits and oral care. A child should ideally visit the dentist six months after their first tooth erupts, and no later than age two. “Bottle caries” are cavities that can progress quickly and totally consume teeth with decay. Baby bottle tooth decay can appear as dark or brown areas on a tooth. It develops most often on the front teeth, but can affect any erupted tooth.
Things parents should do at home include:
- Clean your infant’s gums with a clean, damp cloth
- As the first teeth erupt, begin brushing them with a very soft toothbrush with little or no paste
- Brush your child’s teeth thoroughly before bedtime
- Have your child begin to brush with assistance until age 7-8
The best way is to set a good example for your child by maintaining your own good oral hygiene and habits. Have your child visit the dentist at least every six months and more often if problems arise.