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Tooth decay is a common dental problem and can affect both children and adults. Taking care of your child’s milk teeth as soon as they come through can help to minimise the chances of your child developing tooth decay.

Getting into a good dental care routine from the moment that your little one’s milk teeth erupt, and continuing through the toddler years, and beyond is essential to keep their teeth healthy and clean.

Taking your toddler for regular dental check-ups is also vital and will help to spot the early signs of tooth decay.

WHAT IS TOOTH DECAY?

Knowing what tooth decay is and how it damages the teeth can help you understand how to protect your toddler’s teeth from decay.

Tooth decay can develop as a result of the sugar. When we eat sugary food and consume sugary drinks, the sugar content causes the bacteria in the mouth to produce acid. This acid then attacks the surface of the tooth, and damages the enamel that coats the tooth.

This causes holes to form in the tooth enamel, known as cavities. Bacteria and plaque in the mouth can then enter the cavities and lead to the start of tooth decay. Tooth decay gets progressively worse, so the earlier it can be caught and treated, the better. In some cases, children need to have teeth extracted because tooth decay has made it impossible to save the tooth.

Knowing the signs of tooth decay can help you to spot it early and to get your toddler’s teeth treated. Early detection can lead to a better outcome, as the teeth should be less damaged.

SIGNS OF TOOTH DECAY IN TODDLERS

If you are concerned that your toddler may be experiencing tooth decay, there are a few signs to look out for:

• They may react to hot or cold foods
• Eating sweet foods may cause them discomfort
• Discoloured spots developing on their teeth - these spots may appear as either a grey or brownish colour

You should always visit a dentist if you notice the signs of tooth decay, or any other changes in your toddler’s teeth. Acting fast will ensure that treatment can start as early as possible.

FOODS THAT CAUSE TOOTH DECAY

Brushing your toddler’s teeth twice each day using a suitable fluoride toothpaste is crucial to help avoid tooth decay. However, it is also essential to be aware of the foods that can contribute to tooth decay. Consuming drinks and food which are high in sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay, and you may be surprised to discover some of the unexpected foods that contain hidden sugars.

Below are some of the foods and drinks that may contain high levels of added or naturally-occurring sugar, both of which can cause tooth decay.

Processed foods that may contain added sugar:

• Cakes
• Biscuits and cookies
• Chocolate
• Sweets
• Milkshakes
• Soft drinks such as lemonade and cola
• Squash and cordials
• Yoghurts
• Jams
• Cereal bars and breakfast biscuits
• Syrups
• Ice cream

Foods containing naturally-occurring sugar:

• Dried apricots
• Dates
• Raisins, sultanas, currants
• Fresh, frozen and tinned fruit
• Milk
• Honey
• Fruit juices
• Smoothies

Unexpected foods that are often high in added sugar:

• Breakfast cereals
• Packaged fruit snacks aimed at kids
• Ketchup
• Pasta sauces
• Baked beans
• Canned soups
• Salad cream

Knowing which foods contain high levels of sugar will help you to remove or reduce them from your toddler’s diet. This will help you to minimise the chances of them developing tooth decay, and will keep their teeth strong and healthy.

Reference:

• emmasdiary.co.uk/baby/teeth/foods-that-cause-tooth-decay-in-toddlers