Early Childhood Tooth Decay

Identifying and treating tooth decay early can help your child avoid extensive damage or severe dental issues throughout their life. At Superkids Pediatric Dentistry, our dentists are trained to diagnose early childhood tooth decay, and provide effective treatment.

With four convenient locations in Sterling & Alexandria VA, and Potomac & Rockville MD, your child can get the best dental care from experienced and friendly pediatric dentists and prevent tooth decay!

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is caused by several specific types of bacteria that live on teeth. When you consume sugar, the bacteria use the sugar and creates acids that dissolve the tooth and cause an infection or tooth decay.

What Is Early Childhood Tooth Decay?

Babies are more likely to get tooth decay if they go to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. The sugar in these drinks contacts the teeth for an extended period of time at night, causing the teeth to decay quickly.

Tips To Avoid Early Childhood Tooth Decay

Here are some helpful tips to prevent early childhood tooth decay:

• Use a bottle of plain water to put your child to bed instead of milk or juice
• Do not nurse when your child is asleep or has stopped sucking on the bottle
• Avoid letting your child walk around using a milk bottle or juice as a pacifier
• Teach your child to drink from a cup around six months old
• Stop using a bottle completely by 12-14 months at the latest
• Do not dip your child’s pacifier in honey or sugar

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is used to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. In some areas, the water is not treated with enough fluoride, in which case our pediatric dentists might prescribe fluoride supplements. You will give these drops or pills to your child every day starting at around six months old.

It’s important to only give as much as directed because too much fluoride can cause spots on your child’s teeth. You should also call your local water authority to ask if the city water contains fluoride. If it is, be sure to tell us during your appointment so that your child is not over fluoridated. These drops are given to children until they are around 12 to 16 years old.

Call Superkids Pediatric Dentistry in one of our four locations to schedule an appointment for fluoride treatment.

5204 Dawes Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311   Phone: 703-931-4400
46175 Westlake Drive Suite 430, Sterling, VA 20165   Phone: 703-774-0014
10220 River Road, Suite 305, Potomac, MD 20854   Phone: 301-299-4400
15020 Shady Grove Road, Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20850   Phone: 301-762-2236