 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 prevent tooth decay
Cleaning or brushing your child’s teeth helps remove the bacteria that cause decay.
- Start to clean your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth comes through. Use a wet cloth or a small children’s toothbrush with water.
- From 18 months to six years of age, use a small pea-sized amount of children’s low-fluoride toothpaste on a small, soft toothbrush.
- At six years of age children can use a pea-sized amount of standard fluoride toothpaste.
- If you live in an area that doesn’t have fluoride in the drinking water, ask your dentist about the right toothpaste for your child.
- Brush teeth and along the gum line twice a day; in the morning and at night before bed.
- Children will need an adult to help them brush their teeth until they can do it well by themselves (usually about eight years of age).
Dental checks can spot the early signs of tooth decay
It is recommended that children have a dental check by the time they turn two. This may be done by a dentist or other dental professional, or a health professional, such as a maternal and child health nurse or doctor.
Make sure older children continue to have check-ups. Ask your dentist or other oral health professional how often your child needs to have a dental check-up.
Chalky teeth and risk for tooth decay
About one in six children have ‘chalky teeth’. This can look like creamy-brown or very white spots (like the colour of chalk), particularly on the molars (back teeth).
Teeth can become ‘chalky’ if the enamel (tooth surface) doesn’t harden properly when the tooth is forming in the developing foetus. Because these teeth are weaker, they have a much higher risk of tooth decay.
Both the baby molars (which come through at around age two), and the permanent adult molars (which come through at around six years of age), can be affected. If you think your child might have chalky teeth, see a dentist or other oral health professional.