Dr Senthini at Tower Dental recommends children should be introduced to a dentist as early as 12 months.
“Every child is at risk of tooth decay. The enamel (the hard, outer layer of the tooth) is much thinner and softer on baby teeth, making them at greater risk of decay”.
The tooth decay process is also called ‘caries’. Other names used to refer to this condition include ‘nursing bottle caries’, ‘infant feeding caries’ and ‘baby bottle decay’.
These names are used because the evidence suggests that early childhood caries can occur if babies are settled to sleep with a bottle of milk or formula (or other sweet drinks).
Milk can pool in the mouth and the lactose sugar in milk feeds the bacteria that causes decay as the baby sleeps. Saliva flow is low during sleep, and so does not protect against the damage.
Early childhood caries might also occur if toddlers constantly sip on sweet drinks and consume foods that are acidic, sticky and sweet, such as chocolate, sweet biscuits, lollies, dried fruit and ice cream. If we eat more sugar, or eat more frequently (snacking), the acid attack can dissolve the enamel faster than the saliva can help to repair it, and eventually a cavity (hole in the tooth) is formed. Once this happens, the tooth can no longer repair itself, and the tooth will need a filling.
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommend parents try to keep total added sugars to less than six teaspoons (24 grams) per day.
Early tooth decay can be hard to spot. The first sign of tooth decay is when teeth develop a dull, white band along the gum line (the area at the base of the teeth, near the gums).
In early stages of decay you might see brown spots on the teeth, and the gums might be red and swollen. In more advanced stages of tooth decay, blackened areas show up on the teeth, and the gums still look red and swollen.
The good news is that tooth decay is largely preventable. Limit the amount of sugar children consume in foods and drinks. Brush and floss your child’s teeth for them. Eliminate night time snacks, bottles, and sippy cups, and establish regular checkups with your Tower Dental Dentist.
Tooth decay is a gradual process which worsens over time. Spot the warning signs early and book an appointment with your dentist.
 is much thinner and softer on baby teeth, making them at greater risk of decay){kind=link}