Severe decay is often caused by frequent drinks of sugary liquids.
Deciduous teeth or ‘baby teeth’ are with us for much longer than just our ‘baby years’. In fact, some of these teeth are in the mouth till about 12 years of age.
Early Childhood Caries (Infant Tooth Decay) can occur soon after the baby teeth erupt, usually between nine months and two years.
The risk of developing Early Childhood Caries is greatly increased when children use bottles containing sweetened drinks. Infant tooth decay is less common in breastfed babies.
Preventing Early Childhood Caries:
Put only breast milk, water or formula in your baby’s bottle
Never put cordial soft drink or juice in your baby’s bottle
Try introducing the use of a cup from about 6 months of age
Try to stop bottle use from about 12 months of age
If using a dummy, do not add flavouring
Hints for good oral health:
Brush your child’s teeth as soon as they appear
Use a small toothbrush with soft bristles
Use a pea size of low fluoride toothpaste (e.g. My First Colgate, Macleans Milk Teeth, Oral B Stages)
As your child gets older teach them to spit out after brushing
Children should not be allowed to dispense toothpaste without supervision
Resources and Ordering Process:
The Healthy Teeth for Life - Smile Baby Smile DVD presents information and tips on protecting your baby's teeth. Smile Baby Smile DVDs can be purchased online from the Queensland Government Bookshop.
For more information on keeping your children's teeth health and establishing good oral health, choose from one of the following brochures:
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