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Teething in babies can be a real pain, for both the baby and the parent. But once those pearly whites are in, the “fun” isn’t over.

Babies and toddlers need to have their teeth brushed regularly, and should see a dentist before their first year.

Many people think that worrying about brushing isn’t important since the baby teeth will fall out anyway. But most children don’t lose all of their teeth until they’re older than 10 years old. Having decayed teeth will not be a pleasant experience for your school-aged child. Also, baby teeth are important for maintaining proper spacing for permanent teeth.

If tooth decay (also called dental caries) sets in, the teeth may eventually need to be pulled (not to mention the pain that having severe decay will cause). The pain and trauma of tooth decay and extraction is far worse than daily brushing.

What if your child does get tooth decay, despite your best efforts?

First, don’t beat yourself up. Parents have so much going on, and we all do our best. Furthermore, some tooth decay is due to problems in the womb, like taking antibiotics (which may be necessary sometimes). Some people are genetically predisposed to tooth decay. Processed foods, which the majority of us eat, may be the culprit also. In studies of other mammals, tooth decay becomes a problem only when the animals are fed human-altered foods.

Whatever the cause, if you notice holes in your baby’s teeth, get him to a dentist. Before doing anything drastic, it may be necessary to get a second opinion. Don’t be afraid to do this. Early and frequent checkups will help catch problems, hopefully before they begin.

For more information about baby tooth decay, check out the following resource:

http://www.brianpalmerdds.com/caries.htm

The information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. Any information found on this site should be discussed with a health care professional. Use of this information should be done in accordance with the health care plan outlined by your health care professional. For specific professional or medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment, consult your doctor or health care professional.

Tags: Baby, dental care, teething, toddler, tooth decay