Dental Concerns for Toddlers and Children - General Information

Before the first teeth even begin to break the gums, various conditions can affect how teeth come in and develop. Most babies show some sign of hand sucking or thumb sucking within two hours of birth. While it may seem like a cute and harmless habit, it can have long lasting effects on the child’s teeth if it continues into toddler years.

What to Look For

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that most children will stop sucking their thumb on their own sometime between the ages of two and four. Concern is warranted once the front teeth start to come in. Thumb sucking at this point can cause front teeth to protrude unnaturally and it can cause biting issues as well. It is thought that pacifiers are better than thumb sucking because a pacifier is softer and causes less damage to teeth. The pacifier can also be sterilized or cleaned where a child’s thumb has bacteria and germs that can cause decay. The plastic rim of the pacifier is also believed to take some of the pressure off of the teeth that would be imposed by sucking the thumb. While no major problems are believed to develop from thumb sucking before the age of five, it is a good idea to consult a doctor or your child’s dentist if you are concerned.

Tooth Decay

Another concern with babies and toddlers are nursing caries, tooth decay caused by children going to sleep with bottles. Milk or juice in a bottle at bedtime can lead to tooth decay. It often affects babies between the ages of one and two. Babies who fall asleep while being breastfed can also be at risk because the milk stays in their mouths for the hours they are sleeping. The symptoms of nursing caries can include white spots on the teeth or cavities at an early age.

You can help prevent baby bottle tooth decay by not allowing your child to have a bottle with anything but water in it at bedtime, weaning your baby from bottles in a timely fashion, and taking care of gums and teeth at an early age. You can also talk to your child’s physician or dentist about giving fluoride supplements.

Tooth decay is a problem that must be watched for. There are many bacteria that live in our mouths which can lead to cavities. Diets that are full of sugar, sweets, and carbohydrates can be dangerous for your teeth. Children and senior citizens are especially at risk. You can help prevent tooth decay by brushing your child’s teeth, gums, and tongue at least twice daily with a fluoride-rich toothpaste; making sure that you limit their sugary snacks and they get a well-balanced diet; and brining your child to regular check ups with a family dentist.