Showing posts with label BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY. Show all posts
08 August 2012
Baby bottle tooth decay also known as early childhood caries is a syndrome characterized by severe decay in the teeth of infants or young children. Baby bottle tooth caries is very common bacterial infection.
Causes and risk factors of baby bottle tooth decay:
This condition occurs when the baby’s teeth are exposed frequently and over a long period of time to the sugars presents in liquids such as milk formula and fruit juice. Bacteria in the mouth use these sugars as food.
They can produce acid attack for 20 minutes or longer. After many attacks the teeth can decay. This condition is known as baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries (cavities).
Mostly group of bacteria called streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus species are responsible for caries.
Symptoms:
- Upper front teeth appear teeth decay
- The decay looks like small dark holes or dark pits.
- Even broken teeth
- Pain and fever may also appear
- Difficulty in speaking or chewing
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TREATMENT:
1.FILLING:fill teeth by removing caries with dental hand piece and replacing it with material such as silver amalgam, composite resin, glass ionomer.
2.CROWN:“crown” or “caps” are used if teeth caries is extensive and there is limited tooth structure, which may cause weak teeth.
-large filling increase risk of tooth structure
-caries is removed and repaired and a crown is fitted over the remaining portion of tooth.
3.ROOT CANAL: When the nerve in tooth dies from caries or injury.
Pulp portion of tooth is removed along with caries of tooth. Roots are filled with sealing material. The tooth is filled and crown may be placed over tooth.
4.TOOTH EXTRACTION:when tooth is severe destroyed from dental caries and unable to restore teeth.
PREVENTION:
The good news is that tooth decay is almost completely preventable. You can help prevent tooth decay for your child by following the tips below:
-ORAL HYGIENE:
• Lower the risk of the baby’s infection with decay-causing bacteria. This can be done two ways – by improving the oral health of the mother/caregiver which reduces the number of bacteria in her mouth and by not sharing saliva with the baby through common use of feeding spoons or licking pacifiers and giving them to babies.
• After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth. This will remove plaque and bits of food that can harm erupting teeth. When your child’s teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a child’s size toothbrush and water. (Consult with your child’s dentist if you are considering using fluoride toothpaste before age two.)
• When your child can be counted on to spit and not swallow toothpaste (usually not before age two), begin brushing the teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Brush your child’s teeth until he or she is at least six years old.
• Place only formula, milk or breast milk in bottles. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks.
• Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottles before going to bed.
• If your child uses a pacifier, provide one that is clean — don’t dip it in sugar or honey, or put it in your mouth before giving it to the child. Encourage healthy eating habits that include a diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Serve nutritious snacks and limit sweets to mealtimes.
• Ensure that your child has adequate exposure to fluoride. Discuss your child’s fluoride needs with your dentist.
- Diet for dental health
- Topical fluoride application
- Space maintainers
- Crowns
08 August 2012 0
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