There is a misconception that it is okay if kids get cavities or loose baby teeth because they will just get permanent replacements. This is not the case. We need these baby teeth for chewing and appearance but also very importantly these teeth function as natural space maintainers. Every baby tooth has a permanent replacement and if a child looses a tooth too early, the teeth around it will drift forward into its place. The adult tooth will have then lost its spot to erupt into, causing crowding and bite issues that could lead to a need for orthodontic intervention in the future. Every baby tooth is intended to come out naturally at a specific age that corresponds to when the adult tooth below is developed and ready to erupt into the mouth. If the baby tooth is lost long before the adult tooth is ready, space loss and crowding can occur in that time gap.
Diet is key in preventing cavities and early tooth loss in children. When we find several cavities in a child under the age of 2, it is often caused by the routine consumption of a bottle of milk or juice right before bed. Overnight, the acidity level in the mouth naturally rises and as well, the body produces less saliva. Saliva normally functions in the mouth as a buffer to lower the acidity levels, as well as a lubricant to clean teeth. If sugary drinks are left in the mouth overnight it creates the ideal condition for cavities to form. The high acidity, sugar availability and decreased saliva allow bacteria to flourish and form cavities in teeth. When the sugar source is from a bottled drink before bed, it creates a phenomenon of associated rampant cavities in very young children dentists term“baby bottle tooth decay”. Therefore, parents should try to switch to a cup instead of a bottle at around the age of one and make sure to avoid any sugary liquids before bed. It is best to have water be the final drink before bed and always brush well before sleep.