Early childhood Caries is a dental condition that erodes an infant’s teeth and occurs when a child’s teeth are exposed to sugary liquids frequently or for long periods. Some of these sugary liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice, soda and other sweetened liquids.
The problem occurs when this sugary liquid accumulates around the teeth and creates an environment for decay. Some infants will have a high level of decay forming bacteria and will be at increased risk of developing decay if they are given frequent sugary or acidic liquids.
Sending your infant to bed with a bottle generates this environment - it is like a mouthful of candy.
Decay-forming bacteria (Mutans Streptococci) are transferred in saliva usually from the infant’s primarily caregiver. This can occur from sharing spoons and foods. There is a high correlation between the mother and child’s bacterial counts, ie: if the mother has a high number of decay-forming bacteria the child will also “catch” these. So if mum has good oral hygiene and no decayed teeth, her child has a lower risk of acquiring decay-forming bacteria.
Begin cleaning baby’s first teeth as soon as they appear through the gum. Continue to use a finger wrapped with clean gauze or you may use a very soft bristled child-sized toothbrush with a smear of mild toothpaste when the back teeth erupt. Do this after every feed. After teeth begin coming in, do not send your child to bed with a baby bottle unless it is water only.
Kidz-Teeth, Specialist Paediatric Dental practice is the first in New Zealand, and follows similar trends in the United States, Europe and Australia. Our talented team are located on St Johns Road in Meadowbank, Auckland.
We provide a range of high-quality dental services to infants, children and adolescents . Our specialist paediatric dentists provide all aspects of dental care, including preventative and children's oral health.
Our specialist paediatric dentists provide all aspects of dental care, including preventative care and children's oral health.
To help in the prevention of dental disease such as caries, and sports injuries.
To provide high quality specialist dental care to infants, children and adolescents, and to empower patients to become confident in the dental environment.
To provide information and education and education to caregivers and the community.
To build a team approach which is fun and professional for all involved.
To maintain continual education so as to remain on the 'cutting edge' of research, technology and clinical practice.