Common Tooth Problems in Babies and Their Effective Solutions

List of Tooth Problems and Solutions for Babies

• Baby Bottle Caries

Your baby or toddler is five times more susceptible to caries than adults. The kind of diet a baby takes mostly consists of breast milk, formula milk, and other types of sweet liquids. When these sugary liquids or milk solids collect in your baby's teeth, they may cause plaque build-up, eventually leading to caries or tooth decay. If left untreated, this will lead to severe dental complications for your kid.

Solution: If the problem is in its initial stage, dental fillings or dental sealants may help arrest the progress of the issue.

• Tooth Decay

Food items like cookies, candies, juices, and other carbohydrate-loaded foods frequently consumed by babies and toddlers form a layer on the teeth; this leads to the growth of bacteria trapped in the crevices of the teeth. These acid-producing bacteria can easily wear down the teeth enamel of babies or toddlers, as they tend to have a thinner layer of enamel than adults. The result is early tooth decay!

Solution: Tooth decay in children can be managed through Fluoride varnishes or brushing with Fluoride toothpaste.

• Gum Disease

The plaque deposits can lead to the thriving of harmful bacteria that produce acid and adversely affect the gumline and bones surrounding the teeth in babies and toddlers. The result could be gum disease occurring in three different stages of progression, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

Solution: Oral care, proper oral hygiene, and antibiotic treatment can help manage gum disease in infants and toddlers.

• Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a common dental problem affecting babies and toddlers who tend to grind their teeth in sleep. Teeth grinding can lead to tooth enamel erosion and wear out the primary and permanent teeth.

Solution: Wearing a night guard during sleep can relieve this issue.

• Over-retained primary teeth

Permanent teeth should replace the primary or milk teeth in children. Some children may get their permanent teeth much before their primary teeth have fallen off.

Solution: If this problem occurs, the dentist removes the primary teeth to let the permanent teeth grow freely.