SummaryRead the full fact sheet
- Children’s baby teeth are at risk of decay.
- Tooth cleaning should begin as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Regular dental check-ups are important for spotting and treating early signs of decay.
Image: Dental Health Services Victoria
Every child is at risk of tooth decay. The enamel (hard outer layer) is much thinner and softer on baby teeth, making them at greater risk of decay. The good news is that tooth decay is largely preventable.
Baby teeth help children to eat and speak. They also guide the permanent adult teeth into position, so it is important to take care of your child’s teeth right from the start.
Causes of tooth decay in young children
Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from foods and drinks. These bacteria produce acid, which damages the outer surface of the tooth (the enamel). Saliva helps to repair this damage, but if over time there is more damage than repair, it leaves a cavity or ‘hole’ in the tooth.
Process of early childhood tooth decay
The tooth decay process is also called ‘caries’. In the early stages the teeth can develop white chalky areas. In the later stages, teeth have brown or black areas. The upper four front baby teeth are most commonly affected.
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 and infants 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 cause decay as the baby sleeps. Saliva flow is low during sleep, and so does not protect against damage.
Early childhood caries might also occur if toddlers drink sweet drinks, such as fruit juices, cordials or soft drinks. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, especially between meals.
Signs of early childhood tooth decay
Early childhood caries develops over time and can be difficult to see in the early stages.
Tooth decay may show as:
- a dull white band on the tooth surface closest to the gum line – this is the first sign and usually remains undetected by parents
- a yellow, brown or black band on the tooth surface closest to the gum line – this indicates progression to decay
- teeth that look like brownish-black stumps – this indicates that the child has advanced decay.
Importance of early detection of tooth decay in young children
In the very early stages, early childhood caries can be reversed with treatment by a dentist or other oral health professional. Unfortunately, because the early stages can be difficult to see, in most cases early childhood decay is not picked up until the later, more serious stages. At this time it cannot be reversed and the child may need major dental treatment.
Check your child’s teeth regularly. If you see anything unusual, make a dental appointment.
Preventing tooth decay in young children
You can help prevent tooth decay in young children by introducing healthy eating and good cleaning habits early on.
Good feeding habits help to prevent tooth decay
To prevent tooth decay:
- When your baby has finished feeding, remove them from the breast or bottle.
- Don’t put baby to bed with a bottle.
- Never put sweet drinks in a baby’s bottle.
Start teaching your child to drink from a feeding cup from about six months of age. By around 12 months, they should be drinking only from a cup.
For children over 12 months, water is the main drink. Plain full-fat milk is also a healthy drink choice. Children can drink low-fat milk from two years of age. Fruit juice is not necessary or recommended for children because of its high sugar content and acidity.
Children can start to eat solid foods from around six months of age. Offer a wide range of nutritious foods with a variety of textures and flavours.
- Never dip dummies in sweet substances, such as honey, jam or sugar.
- Ask for sugar-free medicines if possible.
- Look in your child’s mouth regularly to spot early signs of decay.
Cleaning teeth helps to preve