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Despite some recent success with the prevention of tooth decay, it still remains a significant problem in children. Tooth decay can start early; in fact, you need to be able to spot and help prevent it right from the time your baby first starts teething.

So, what exactly is tooth decay and what are its causes? Tooth decay is caused by bacteria (germs) that find a home in the sugars can build up on your child’s teeth. Germs need three things t flourish; food, water and warmth – all of which are found in plentiful supply in your baby’s mouth. Over time, these bacteria dissolve the enamel, or outer layer, of the tooth. This damaged area is called a cavity.

Primary teeth are usually called baby teeth or milk teeth and first start to erupt through the gums of your baby between 4 to 6 months of age. Teething lasts until all 20 teeth appear, the children being usually around 2 ½ years of age by this time. Teething is a major milestone in the development of your child but it is also, quite often, a painful one. The eruption of primary teeth, or teething, can cause sore and tender gums that appear red and puffy. To help relieve the pain, you can give the baby a cold teething ring or a damp washcloth to chew on. My mother used to give me a cold carrot stick to suck on.

If you’re bottle-feeding you need to be more aware of tooth decay - most often called baby bottle tooth decay. One reason bottle-fed babies are more prone to tooth decay rather than those who are breastfed is due to the sugars found in milk formula, although the sugar levels in today’s formulas are markedly less then they used to be. However the biggest contributor to baby bottle tooth decay is the practice of putting baby to bed with a bottle, which he can suck on for hours. Yet another cause of decay is the use of pacifiers; a personal hate of mine! Not only does the use of pacifiers dipped in sugar exacerbate decay, it makes babies look most unattractive.

In summary, when you bottle-feed you must be more aware of how your child can contract toot decay and on how to prevent it. The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry has developed the following guidelines for preventing baby bottle tooth decay:

• Don’t allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices, or other sweet liquids. Never let a child walk with a bottle in her mouth.

• Comfort a child who wants a bottle between regular feedings or during naps with a bottle filled with cool water.

• Always make sure a child’s pacifier is clean, and never dip a pacifier in a sweet liquid.

• Introduce children to a cup as they approach 1 year of age. Children should stop drinking from a bottle soon after their first birthday.

By simply following the above recommendations you’ll help prevent baby bottle tooth decay and alleviate a lot of discomfort for your baby. You’ll also get the added bonus of making your baby’s smile even more beautiful.

When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth is a question many parents ask. The answer is straightforward; parents should brush their child’s teeth when the first tooth arrives.

Babies will begin to show signs of teething about two to three weeks before the first tooth appears. Of the many teething symptoms that your baby can have, you should look out for the usually symptoms of teething, such as, excessive drooling, fussiness - especially during feeding, and your baby’s insatiable desire to chew on just about everything. If your infant is showing signs of discomfort you can try traditional remedies or purchase teething rungs or homeopathic teething remedies.

Parents should start brushing their baby’s teeth from the moment the first tooth appears. You should clean your baby’s teeth with a baby toothbrush. You shouldn’t use any form of toothpaste, as there is every chance your child will swallow this, and ingested toothpaste can be harmful to your child. Some babies can fuss when you first begin to brush their teeth. It is important that you don’t allow your child’s behaviour to stop your brushing. If your baby is unwilling to have his teeth brushed, try giving them a toothbrush of their own. They usually enjoying chomping down on it and it gets them familiar with this new implement. Be sure to use a clean brush and not the child’ brush when you clean. Also, never let your child chew on their brush without your supervision; there is every chance of choking.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends an oral health risk assessment for all children by 6 months of age by a qualified pediatrician or a qualified pediatric health care professional, using the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Caries Risk Assessment Tool. Caries is cavity formation in teeth caused by bacteria that attach to teeth and form acids in the presence of sucrose, other sugars, and refined starches:; this condition is better known as tooth decay.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe that early childhood caries, decay of the tooth, may be the most common infectious disease in children. It is believed 40 percent of children under 5 years of age are infected. Dental caries is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever in children. If not treated, caries in children can result in chronic pain and early tooth loss, failure to thrive, malocclusion, inability to concentrate at school or absence from school, reduced self-esteem and psychosocial problems.

Caries can also be passed from caregiver to baby, so it is also essential that parents practice good oral hygiene. Avoid sharing spoons, wash pacifiers with water and not by cleaning it with your own saliva. Any object that your baby places in their mouth should also be sterilized after washing. Never share a bottle between siblings.

Teething is a long, drawn-out process and the symptoms can be upsetting for both child and parents. The best teething remedy for your child is by regular brushing of their teeth. We all get two chances for that perfect smile; milk teeth and then adult teeth. Take care of those teeth and your baby will reward you with a beautiful smile.

Do you know what is the secret of a healthy smile? 

The answer is easy.  Take good care of your teeth.