How To Prevent Tooth Decay In Your Child's Milk Teeth

Tooth decay is a bacterial attack on tooth enamel, and it can occur on both permanent and milk teeth. Toddlers are at risk of developing decay and cavities, even before the development of permanent teeth. If left untreated, tooth decay can worsen and lead to tooth loss. The resultant infection can damage the undeveloped permanent teeth below. Kids who get cavities and need to have a tooth pulled at an early age are more likely to need orthodontics in the future. Therefore, take the following measures to prevent the progression of tooth decay in your child's milk teeth. 

Look Out for the Warning Signs

Tooth decay doesn't just happen overnight. Before your child develops cavities, the teeth will undergo gradual deterioration. If you are attentive, you will notice the signs of tooth decay and treat it before it causes cavities. Below are the common warning signs of tooth decay in milk teeth:

• Pale white film on the tooth's surface near the gum line
• Brown, yellow, or black stains on the tooth enamel
• Tooth sensitivity, whereby the child winces when consuming hot or cold foods
• Bad breath

If you notice any of the above signs, visit your dentist for a proper checkup and treatment. A pediatric dentist can reverse early tooth decay and prevent cavities. However, if your child has already developed cavities, they may need to get fillings.

Monitor Your Kid's Diet

Diet is a major contributor to tooth decay in kids. Different foods trigger dental issues in various ways. For example, the sugar in sugary drinks interacts with bad bacteria in the mouth to produce acid, which erodes the enamel. Starchy foods get stuck in between the teeth and provide sugar to the bacteria. Acidic foods and drinks erode the enamel and make it more vulnerable to bacteria attacks. Therefore, give your kids healthier foods to curb bacteria activity in the mouth.

Stay on Top of Dental Hygiene

Even with a proper diet, it's common to experience tooth decay due to poor oral hygiene. If food particles get stuck in the teeth, they can cause decay. Furthermore, you cannot always deny your child sweet treats in an attempt to maintain their oral health. Proper dental hygiene allows your child to enjoy their favorite snacks without suffering from poor oral health. Below are some dental hygiene tips for your child:

• Swish water in the mouth after eating to get rid of stuck food particles
• Brush teeth after meals, using child-friendly fluoride toothpaste
• Floss your child's teeth at least once a day 
• Occasionally give your child sugarless gum to dislodge stuck food particles in the teeth 

Besides the above tips, schedule at least two dental checkups at a local pediatric dental clinic every year. These checkups will help treat tooth decay before it progresses to irreversible stages.