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Children’s Teeth

Children with healthy teeth chew food easier and learn to speak more clearly, and early examination of your child’s teeth and gums will help protect a lifetime of healthy smiles. Dr. Hopgood recommends seeing your child when their first tooth erupts (usually around the first birthday). Dental problems can begin in infancy, so to spot conditions such as bottle decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb sucking, early visits are beneficial.

Unfortunately, bottle decay is seen often but is easily preventable. Bottle decay occurs in young children when liquids high in sugar such as milk, formula, fruit juices, and fruit drinks are given (usually around bedtime) and left to sit in the mouth for extended periods of time, causing the acids in the liquid to dissolve the teeth. This decay; also called bottle rot or nursing bottle syndrome will destroy newly formed teeth if left untreated causing a multitude of problems with permanent teeth. As your child approaches their first birthday and/or gets their first tooth, it is important to wean them off of the bottle and have them drink from a cup. They should avoid falling asleep with any liquids other than water. If at all possible, you should stay away from nighttime breast-feeding once the first tooth appears and remember to brush newly erupted teeth two times a day and clean your baby’s mouth after feedings. A damp face cloth wrapped around an index finger can adequately clean a child’s teeth and dilute acids that result in tooth decay.

Advanced Dental Concepts
Richard D. Hopgood D.M.D., M.A.G.D.
296 Lowell Street
Andover, MA 01810
Telephone: 978-475-2431
Email: info@andoverdmd.com