Infant tooth decay (early childhood caries) can occur after the eruption of the first baby tooth, usually between 6 and 12 months.
Infant tooth decay: symptoms to look for
Tooth decay can be difficult to detect in its early stages of development. Symptoms may be:
- A dull white band along the gumline.
This is the first sign and usually remains undetected by parents. Bacteria found in plaque change sugars into acids, which dissolve minerals in tooth enamel (demineralisation). If untreated, this can lead to holes (cavities or caries) in the teeth. At this early stage the disease can be reversed (healed).
- A yellow, brown or black collar around the neck of the teeth.
This indicates that the demineralisation has progressed to cavities. Here the disease cannot be reversed as it has advanced to a hole on the tooth which has to be treated either with a filling or removal of the tooth.
- Teeth that look like brownish-black stumps
This indicates that the infant has advanced cavities. The only possible treatment here is removal of the tooth.
Pictures to help you spot infant tooth decay - (From TEETH: Oral Health Information for Maternal and Child Health Nurses manual)
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What can cause infant tooth decay?
Development of infant tooth decay is an infective process initiated by the transmission of oral bacteria from mother to infant.
This transmission of oral bacteria from mother to infant by way of saliva could be caused by:
- the mother using her eating utensils to feed the infant
- the mother tasting the food or testing the temperature in her mouth prior to feeding
- ‘washing’ a dummy in the mother’s mouth and then giving it to the infant
- the infant placing their fingers into the mother’s mouth and then into their own.
Once the transmission of bacteria from mother to baby has occurred the bacteria can multiply. When an infant is allowed to suckle on a nursing bottle contaning milk during the night the saliva flow is reduced. The milk pools around the baby teeth enabling the bacteria to convert the natural sugars in milk to acids which dissolves the enamel of the baby teeth.
There is evidence to suggest infant tooth decay can occur if babies are settled to sleep with a bottle of milk. They might also occur if toddlers constantly sip on sweet drinks (such as fruit juices and soft drinks) during the day.
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Preventing infant tooth decay
Breast and bottle feeding
If breast milk or bottle milk (formula) is left to pool around a baby’s teeth for long periods of time e.g such as settling a baby to sleep with a bottle, or allowing a baby to sleep while sucking on the breast, tooth decay can begin.
Remember, when breast or bottle feeding:
- Take the bottle/breast away when the child has had enough.
- Do not put a baby or infant to bed with a bottle (either milk or water) or allow him/her to suckle on the breast for prolonged periods during sleep.
- Use cooled, boiled water if the child needs a bottle for comfort or extra fluids before bed.
- Introduce the baby to a feeding cup between 6 and 8 months of age.
- Do not fill bottles (or feeding cups) with fruit juice, sweetened milk, soft drinks and/or cordial as this is a common contributing factor to tooth decay.
Dummies
Avoid dipping dummies in honey, sugar or other foods or liquids. All natural sugars that are not easily cleared from the mouth, including honey, can lead to tooth decay.
Medicines
If your child needs medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist to prescribe a sugar-free form.
Brushing your baby's teeth
Tips on brushing your baby or toddler’s teeth >>
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Dental check-ups: when to take your baby
Unfortunately, in most cases tooth decay is not picked up until it is well advanced (usually when the child is about 20 months of age). By this stage, significant dental treatment may be needed. This can be traumatic for both the infant and parents.
Take your baby to see a dentist or other oral health professional for a check-up as soon as the first tooth appears and no later than 2 years of age.
Eligibility
- All children who are 12 years and under are eligible to access the public dental system through community dental clinics.
- Children receive general oral health advice as well as dental check-ups and treatment.
- Children will receive priority access, meaning they do not have to go on a waiting list and will be given the next available appointment.
- This service is free for those who hold a valid health care card or a pensioner concession card.
- A fee of $30* for a course of general care per child applies to non-card-holders (the most a family will pay is $116*).
* Fees are subject to change
Find a public dental clinic near you >> | Dental fees for children 0-12 >>
Related information:
Teething
Cleaning your baby's teeth
Thumb and finger sucking
Use of dummies
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