Let’s face it; few things are more heart-rending than seeing your little one in any discomfort, let alone dental pain. Early Childhood Caries (ECC), or baby bottle tooth decay, might sound fancy, but it simply means cavities in young children, which, sadly, are all too common. So, let’s dive into how we, as parents, can Dr Paul Carey prevent and manage ECC, ensuring our children’s little pearly whites stay just that: sparklingly healthy.
Understanding Early Childhood Caries
ECC usually occurs in children aged 6 years or younger, with cavities often appearing on upper front teeth first. Even though a child will eventually lose these baby teeth, they play a critical role in speech development and help maintain correct spacing for permanent teeth.
Prevention: A Proactive Approach
• Begin Dental Visits Early: Many pediatric associations recommend that a child’s first dental visit be around their first birthday. Regular checkups with the dentist can detect any early signs of cavities and provide a platform for necessary intervention.
• Implement Proper Oral Hygiene Measures: Dr Paul Carey advises, “Even though it seems early, start cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth.”
As their first teeth come in, a soft, child-sized toothbrush with a grain-sized amount of toothpaste should be used twice daily, gradually moving to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste once your child is three years old.
Managing ECC: Interventions That Work
• Reconsider Bedtime Bottles and Sippy Cups: Avoid putting your baby to sleep with bottles or sippy cups filled with milk or sugary drinks, as they can lead to prolonged exposure to sugars, a common cause of tooth decay.
• Promote Healthy Eating Habits: Starchy or sugary foods can stick to your child’s teeth, encouraging decay. Teach them to appreciate less-cariogenic foods like fruits, vegetables, and cheeses from a young age.
• Sealing Out Trouble: Ask your dentist about applying sealants to your child’s teeth. A sealant is a Dr Paul Carey protective coating that is applied to chewing surfaces of molars where decay occurs most often.
