The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Did you know that children can get a cavity as soon as their first tooth arrives? It is never too early to start looking after your childÕs oral health. Even before your child has their first tooth, it is important to begin good oral hygiene habits. Plaque grows in a childÕs mouth even before they have teeth. The bacteria found in plaque can lead to the development Early Childhood Tooth Decay or ECTD (also known as Early Childhood Caries or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay), so it is important to remove plaque from the childÕs mouth daily. ECTD is a severe type of tooth decay that can affect baby teeth; especially the upper front teeth. Food left in the mouth from feeding including milk, juice, drinks and breast milk can lead to the development of ECTD. The sugars found in food combines with the bacteria in plaque to create an acid that damages the enamel of a tooth. The longer and more often food is left in the mouth, the greater chance of developing ECTD. How can I prevent ECTD from occurring to my child? Clean your childÕs mouth and teeth after each feeding. If your child falls asleep while you are feeding him, take the bottle or breast away. Do not fill your childÕs bottle with sugary liquids. Water is the best liquid to give your child if he or she is thirsty. Pacifiers/ soothers should not be dipped in honey or other sweeteners. Get sealants placed on your childrenÕs teeth. (A sealant is a clear or tinted plastic covering put on the chewing surfaces of teeth. A sealant acts like a barrier and keeps food from getting stuck in the grooves and pits. This will help to keep teeth free from decay. Sealants can be applied to a tooth as soon as it arrives in the mouth.) You can check your childÕs mouth for ECTD by lifting the lip and checking their teeth. Some signs of tooth decay are: brown or yellow spots on the teeth or ÒchalkyÓ areas. Êgrooves or changes to the front teeth. If there are any signs of tooth decay, the child should be examined by a dental professional right away. Early treatment can prevent the problem from getting worse.
