Frequently Asked Questions

Paediatric Dentistry

Date Posted: 12/1/2001

Question What are the most common dental decay problems seen in preschool children?

Answer The most common dental decay problem seen in infants and younger children is nursing decay. Dental decay can affect baby teeth extensively. Teeth normally affected are the top front teeth. The back teeth in top and bottom may also be affected. Bottle and breast-fed babies are both susceptible. Babies left with a bottle as a pacifier and those who are frequently nursed, especially at night, run the danger of bottle or nursing decay due to the prolonged exposure to milk (human milk is no exception) or juice. Another common decay problem seen in preschool children is due to frequent exposure to sugary, starchy and acidic foods, including all forms of juices, cordials and soft drinks. Snacking generally promotes dental decay, because the mere presence of food in the mouth feed the plaque that produces acid, causing decay.

More questions in this category:

Can babies get tooth decay?
Are baby teeth essential?
What are the most common dental decay problems seen in preschool children?
At what age should I schedule my child’s first visit to the dentist?