Early Childhood Tooth Decay
Learn More About Tooth Decay
What causes tooth decay?
Several specific types of bacteria that live on the teeth cause decay. When sugar is consumed the bacteria use the sugar and then manufacture acids that dissolve the teeth and cause an infection in the tooth. This infection is called decay.
What is “baby-bottle” tooth decay?
Babies who go to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice are more likely to get tooth decay. Because the sugar in formula, milk or juice stays in contact with the teeth for a long time during the night, the teeth can decay quickly.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride helps make teeth strong and prevents tooth decay. If the water where you live does not have enough fluoride, your doctor may prescribe fluoride supplements (fluoride drops or pills). You would give these drops or pills every day, starting when your child is about 6 months old. Only give as much as the directions say to use, because too much fluoride can cause spots on your child’s teeth. Also, be sure to call your local water authority and ask if your water is fluoridated. If it is, tell your dentist or pediatrician so that your child is not being over fluoridated. Children should take these drops or pills until they are 12 to 16 years old (or until you move to an area with fluoride in the water).
Here are some tips to avoid baby-bottle tooth decay:
- Put your child to bed with a bottle of plain water, not milk or juice.
- Stop nursing when your child is asleep or has stopped sucking on the bottle.
- Try not to let your child walk around using a bottle of milk or juice as a pacifier.
- Start to teach your child to drink from a cup at about 6 months of age. Plan to stop using a bottle by 12 to 14 months at the latest.
- Don’t dip your child’s pacifier in honey or sugar.
Meet Our Doctors
Our pediatric specialists and staff love children and are specially trained to put them at ease. We teach your children the proper way to take care of their teeth; but just as important, they learn that going to the dentist can be fun.
Dr. Spiger
Dr. Ana
Dr. Helson
Dr. Lee
Dr. Poindexter
Dr. Pisheh
Dr. Galvez
Dr. Goolla
Dr. To
Dr. Ton
Dr. Peiravani
Dr. Stacy
Dr. Mathew
Dr. Choi
We Love Hearing From Our Patients
Testimonials
Positive Feedback & Testimonials
Lovely people here, they are so nice and very patient with the kids. They make sure to interact with them and make them laugh. Kandice I believe her name was she is very sweet she made sure my son was comfortable while brushing his teeth and I love that. 100% recommend, moms bring your babies you will love it and enjoy the service here.
Best Children’s dentist possibly in the Houston area. My kids love going with him he makes visits so much easier. Dr Helson is very knowledgeable, honest kind, funny and never have had any issues with the work or treatment he has performed. All the staff is very accommodating and nice. In our last visit Marcos went above and beyond to help us and make us feel at ease.
Our son did amazing at the dentist. This is a proud moment for us as parents. After he cried all the way there, we finally calmed him down. The girls were amazing & made him feel safe. The doctor also treated him with care and love. Everywhere, relationships matter. He will forever remember his 1st big boy dentist experience.
This was an awesome experience….the office was very professional and the procedure was completed by Dr. Goolla and Marco quicker than I expected. They talked him through the procedure and kept him comfortable throughout and he went through this with flying colors. We received a thorough explanation after it was over and I was very impressed with their service. Would definitely recommend for children.
Such a cute environment! Receptionist were very friendly, Selena made our visit very thorough and special! very quick service! We found the perfect dentist for our little one.
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5 Amazing Locations in Houston, TX
North Freeway Office
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- Mon-Thurs: 9 AM - 6 PM Fri-Sat: 9 AM - 3 PM
Telephone Rd Office
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Willow Chase Office
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FM 1960 Office
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Bissonnet Office
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- Mon-Thurs: 9 AM - 6 PM Fri-Sat: 9 AM - 3 PM