A child’s healthy smile is one of the beautiful sights in this world. A healthy smile of your child is an indicator of sound physical and mental health.
Early Childhood Caries, also known as baby bottle decay, is an infectious and transmissible disease which implies that parents and caregivers can pass on the germs responsible for tooth decay to their children by kissing the baby simply. If left untreated, decayed teeth can abscess, and infections from these teeth can lead to life-threatening health problems.
How to detect this Early Childhood Caries?
This disease usually starts on your child’s front teeth as a chalky white line along the gumline, which can be detected by “LIFT THE LIP” procedure daily.
If you see white spots/lines along the gum line of your child’s teeth, you should see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. At this stage, it is reversible and he/she may recommend fluoride varnish application to reverse it.
Start now to prevent Early Childhood Caries
- For expectant mothers and nursing mothers, it is important to schedule a dental visit as parents or caregivers with active tooth decay or gum disease can pass those germs onto the baby almost immediately.
- Even before teeth eruption, use a clean warm cloth to gently wipe the inside of your baby’s mouth, especially after feedings and before bed.
- Never make your baby allow to sleep with a bottle unless until it is filled with water.
When to plan for my child’s first dental visit?
- Plan your child’s first dental visit by age 1 or when the first teeth erupt.
- Regularly follow up every 3 months is necessary for the maintenance of your child’s optimal dental health.