Your baby’s first tooth is a milestone worthy of celebration! Caring for those early teeth is the first step in developing healthy dental habits for a lifetime.
In a pediatric dental office, cavities are a common dental issue, and they can lead to bigger problems if left untreated. Our team has created a helpful guide for parents, including early signs of cavities and prevention strategies.
What Causes Cavities in Baby Teeth?
Cavities are holes in the surface of your teeth that develop when the enamel – the outer surface of your teeth – begins to break down from bacteria. If left untreated, cavities can grow and spread from the tooth’s surface to the nerve endings, leading to pain and sensitivity.
Bacteria, acid, and saliva are three key factors in the process of developing a cavity. Here’s how that process works:
- When your child eats, sugars and starches from items like milk, candy, and cereals remain on the teeth
- Bacteria change the sugar into acid, which stays on the teeth until it is removed
- Saliva helps wash away some of the acid residue. But during sleep, there is more time for bacteria to change sugars to acid. This acid breaks down the enamel and can cause cavities.
Understanding how cavities form in baby teeth and developing an oral care routine helps prevent them from forming. A visit to a pediatric dentist near you can help establish good oral care habits early, and provide guidance on caring for your child’s new teeth.
What Does a Cavity Look Like? Recognizing the Signs of Tooth Decay in Your Child
Early signs of tooth decay and cavities can differ from one child to the next. However, some of the most common ways to spot tooth decay is by looking at the color of your child’s teeth.
As tooth decay begins to form, you may notice the shiny outer surface of the tooth developing little white spots. These spots are where the enamel is starting to break down, so that’s where a visit to a trusted pediatric dentist in Austin, TX can make a difference.
You may notice an area of light brown discoloration – this is the sign of a cavity developing. As a cavity grows, the light brown color will fade into a darker shade of brown and progress to black.
Color changes to your child’s teeth are some of the most common ways to spot tooth decay, but your child may experience other symptoms, including:
- Sensitivity to certain foods or drinks
- Pain around the affected tooth
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Increased fussiness or irritability
- Bad breath
Helpful Ways to Keep Your Baby’s Teeth Healthy
When it comes to keeping your baby’s teeth healthy and strong, there are a few ways to help keep cavities at bay:
- Clean your baby’s teeth, gums, and tongue with a clean, wet cloth after feeding and before bedtime.
- Limit bottles in bed. At the first sign of their first tooth, try to avoid nighttime and on-demand feedings.
- Limit sugary drinks and opt for water over juice.
- Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Talk to your pediatrician about when to switch from a bottle to a cup.
- Limit sticky snacks and food (like raisins and gummies).
- Schedule regular checkups with your child’s pediatric dentist.
Set the Stage for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles with Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces
A strong foundation for healthy smiles and positive oral hygiene starts with your baby’s first tooth. While it may be easy to miss the early signs of tooth decay, your pediatric dentist can help you stay on top of your child’s dental health to ensure their permanent teeth grow in just as strong and healthy.
As a trusted local practice for children’s dental care, our team of dental experts aims to provide peace of mind to new parents and help build strong smiles for your children. Whether you are concerned with cavities or have questions about dental cleanings and exams, we are here to help.
Take the first step in protecting your child’s teeth from cavities by scheduling an appointment at Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces. We have pediatric dental offices in Austin, Belton, Copperas Cove, Dripping Springs, Elgin, Killeen, & Kyle to help your child grow into a confident, healthy smile.
