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I brush my baby's teeth every day! So why do they still have tooth decay?
It's not uncommon for mothers to have this question. They make sure their kids are brushing their teeth, but they still wind up with decay. What's going on here?
To explain what might be going on, we first need to understand how tooth decay happens.
Dental decay is also referred to as a "cavity," or in more scientific terms, "caries." Tooth decay occurs when bacteria transform sugar into acids, acting as a corrosive agent on your teeth. Bacteria, sugars, and acid formation are normal in eating, so none of these factors can be completely eliminated. However, it's essential to remove them from the mouth several times each day.
How to treat cavities in baby teeth
Effective brushing and flossing are the only ways to control dental plaque, which is what harbors harmful bacteria. If you or your child are brushing their teeth twice a day and still getting cavities, it may have something to do with the brushing method. You must use proper brushing techniques and brush for the full two minutes. If your child is still very young, you can allow them to brush first, but you must brush their teeth again to make sure all the plaque has been removed. You can review methods with your dentist at each routine checkup to ensure your child's brushing improves.
Good brushing helps prevent cavities, but a toothbrush does not treat an existing cavity. If your child has tooth decay, a dentist should assess it and recommend appropriate care.
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