Early Childhood Cavities:Causes, Effects and Prevention

Sometimes called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, Early Childhood Cavities is a serious disease that can destroy your child's teeth – but it can be prevented.

What Causes Early Childhood Cavities?

• Letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle. When your baby is asleep, the liquids that contain sugar stay around the teeth and can cause decay. Even breast milk and formula contain sugar.
• Prolonged nursing with mother or allowing your baby to fall asleep while nursing.
• Allowing your infant to walk around with a bottle.

Put your child to bed without a bottle ...

Your child can fall asleep without a bottle! Here are five tips to try:

• Let your child take a "security" blanket, teddy bear, doll, or favorite toy to bed.
• Quietly sing or play restful music.
• Hold or rock your child.
• Give your child a back rub to help him or her to relax.
• Read or tell your child a story.

What are the Effects of Early Childhood Cavities?

• Tooth loss
• Ear and speech problems
• Crooked permanent teeth
• Severe pain
• Poor self-image
• Tooth decay

How can I prevent Early Childhood Cavities?

• Get into the habit of putting your baby to bed without a bottle.
• Never put the baby to bed with a bottle filled with formula, milk, juice, sugar water, or soda pop. If your baby must have a bottle to go to sleep, fill it with water.
• Do not let your infant walk around with a bottle.
• Start teaching your infant to use a cup between 6-12 months. Trade your baby's bottle for a training cup by age one.
• Check with your doctor or dentist to make sure your child is getting enough fluoride each day.

Your child's healthy teeth and brilliant smile depend on you!

To read the entire article visit colgate.com

Bensonhurst Smiles  
Chung Hin Lau, DDS  
6306 18 Ave, 2nd Floor  
Brooklyn, NY 11204  
(718) 232-4044  
BensonhurstSmiles.com

Brushing Your Kid's Teeth

It’s never too early to get children in the habit of good oral care. Of course, it’s up to parents to take the “first steps.” Finding new ways to model good dental habits and practice them with your kids is key. The sooner kids begin to take charge of their own teeth, the happier and healthier they (and you) will be. And the payoffs over a lifetime are immeasurable.

Don’t Worry-You’re Not Alone 
If you think it’s a challenge to teach your kids good oral care, you’re in good company. Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases. And studies show that almost 50% of kids between six and eight have had at least one cavity.1 These are just a couple of reasons why it’s so important to help kids understand right from the start that proper dental habits are a smart idea.

To read the entire article visit OralB.com.


Bensonhurst Smiles  

Chung Hin Lau, DDS  

6306 18 Ave, 2nd Floor  

Brooklyn, NY 11204  
(718) 232-4044  
BensonhurstSmiles.com

Children's Dentistry

Caring for Kids
Dr. Lau works to make sure children of all ages feel at ease and enjoy themselves, so bring your whole family along! Rest assured your child will receive the latest advances in children’s dentistry, delivered with care, thoughtfulness, and compassion. We encourage good dental care habits in children and enjoy teaching them how to maintain their teeth. We look forward to seeing them for their first dental visit when they are a year old and watching them develop year after year.

We strive to ensure that this and future generations of children grow up without a fear of dentistry. According to our many happy parents, we are succeeding. Our office is a relaxed and happy place children enjoy visiting. Whether you have an active seven-year-old or a scared three-year-old, we are here to help.

Bensonhurst Smiles 
Chung Hin Lau, DDS 
6306 18 Ave, 2nd Floor 
Brooklyn, NY 11204 
(718) 232-4044 
BensonhurstSmiles.com