Oraliah Dental Clinics is one of the best dental hospitals in Bangalore, and according to it one of the most common misconceptions regarding children’s dental health is that milk teeth fall off and hence don’t require close attention. Your child’s milk teeth maybe around for only a few years, but they are an essential part of their growth and development.

Tooth decay in children is far more common than you’d realize. Approximately 30% of Indian pre-school children have cavities. Tooth decay in children is also much more aggressive, leading to development of what is known as Early Childhood Caries, says best dentists in Bangalore. ECC basically refers to tooth decay in children under the age of 6 and has become a significant health

What does ECC look like?

In the initial stages, decay in toddlers can look like small white or brown spots on the teeth. It typically starts near the gumline in the upper front teeth, but other teeth can be affected as well. According to dental surgeon in Bangalore, as the disease progresses, the spots can turn into cavitations eventually destroying most of the tooth structure with small stumps left behind. Thus, a dental clinic in Bangalore is of the view that early detection and treatment is essential.

What causes Early Childhood Caries?

Also called baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries, it can be caused due to prolonged exposure to sugar present in milk being bottle-fed to the baby. Typically, this occurs when the child frequently falls asleep with a bottle containing sweetened milk or the bottle is used as a pacifier. These practices allow the sugar to constantly coat the teeth and quickly cause cavities. Bacteria present love sugar and use it to produce acid which overtime destroys tooth structure. As per the best dentists in Bangalore, not just milk, any sugar containing liquid can be the culprit including juices, infant formula etc.

Simple Ways to Prevent ECC by Bangalore’s Best Dentists

1. A very basic tip, but an important one – Keep the teeth clean. As soon as your baby’s first tooth erupts, get into a habit of keeping them clean by gently wiping them with a soft cloth. Alternatively, soft toothbrush can also be used. Start using pea-sized amount of toothpaste once your child is at least two years old.
2.  Adopt a healthy balanced diet limiting the sugary and starchy drinks.
3. Avoid dipping the pacifiers you’re using in any sweetened liquid.
4. Teach your child to start drinking from a cup as early as possible, preferably before they turn one year of age. Bottle feeding should not be encouraged.
5. Schedule an appointment for your child with one of the best dental doctor in Bangalore before the first birthday.

Remember dental caries can be prevented and treated. Visit a Pediatric Dentist in Bangalore to see any signs of decay in your child’s teeth. With proper care, your child can grow up to have healthy teeth for a lifetime.