Your one-year-old baby has tooth decay and you're not sure how to deal with it? When teeth are already starting to appear, if proper care is not taken, tooth decay can occur, even in babies. In this article we will talk about how to treat tooth decay in babies, and also what to do to prevent it.
Here is a guide to understanding how to treat tooth decay in a one-year-old baby.
Treatment of dental caries in babies
As with children, teens and adults, the earlier a baby's tooth decay is diagnosed, the less invasive the treatment. And this is only possible when parents closely monitor the child's oral health and maintain regular visits with the pediatric dentist.
It is also important to emphasize that the best course of treatment will depend on the individual patient's situation.
Only the dental professional, after evaluating the case, will be able to prescribe what to do and how to do it.
In less severe cases, in addition to changes in habits and diet, treatment may also involve the application of fluoride or fluoride varnish to remineralize the affected tooth. However, if the condition is more severe, the dentist may use a laser to remove the decay. In some cases, canals, restorations and even extractions may be necessary.
To avoid pain and discomfort for the baby, the pediatric dentist may use local anesthesia or even sedation, if necessary.
The importance of toothbrushing for babies
Toothbrushing is one of the most important ways to prevent cavities and other oral diseases. But to do so, it must be done correctly. It is recommended that babies' teeth be brushed two to three times a day, especially after meals.
It is important to note that brushing teeth at night deserves special attention. When we sleep, our saliva production decreases, which eventually affects the natural protection of our mouth.
In other words, if we skip the nightly cleaning, we end up giving bacteria room to grow. This is also why it is recommended that oral hygiene for babies and even older children should be done by the parents, to ensure its effectiveness.
Remember that brushing should be done with a small brush head with soft bristles and a fluoridated toothpaste with a grain of raw rice. Flossing may also be necessary, especially for babies and children with closely spaced teeth. In this case, floss with a rod may be easier to handle.
Prevention is the best cure for cavities
Involving the baby during the parents' oral hygiene can help facilitate the process. As we have seen, cavities are a fact of life for babies, so there is little care. The good news is that taking simple steps can go a long way in preventing this and other oral diseases.
As the old adage goes, "prevention is the best medicine". Here are some of the most important ways to prevent cavities in babies:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with fruits and vegetables
- Avoid sugar, soft drinks and processed foods
- Involve the baby in the parents' brushing so that he or she has an example from an early age and becomes
- familiar with the process
- Brush baby's teeth two to three times a day, always after meals
- Never let the baby sleep without practicing oral hygiene
- The baby can actively participate in the oral hygiene ritual, however, parents should closely monitor the process to ensure its effectiveness
- Use a fluoride toothpaste with a grain of raw rice
- Make brushing time light and fun, whether with stories, songs or games;
- Don't miss regular visits to the pediatric dentist for follow-up, cleaning, application of fluoride, if necessary, and especially to prevent cavities in babies.
In a few years, when your child is 4 years old, you will be able to use a Y-Brush child toothbrush. It is a toothbrush that has several modes of sonic vibrations which is perfectly adapted to the important dental sensitivity of a child.
We hope this guide has helped you understand that treating tooth decay as early as possible is important for babies. It's important to see a dentist as soon as possible to assess the stage of tooth decay so that the most appropriate treatment can be given. It is also important to brush your baby's fragile teeth properly and to repeat all the tips that help him/her maintain good oral hygiene.
