Tooth Decay in Preschoolers Every year, about 19,000 Canadian preschoolers require day surgery to treat cavities and tooth decay. Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a disease caused by germs and is easily spread in families. When a mother eats from the same spoon as her child, the bacteria from her mouth can cause the enamel of the baby's teeth to break down, leading to cavities and opening the door for other oral diseases. Tooth decay in children can cause their teeth to grow in incorrectly, but poor oral hygiene can also affect them psychologically. Children with caries are prone to behavioral problems, have trouble keeping up in school, and experience sleep loss, affecting their overall well being. To avoid these consequences, let's look at some preventive measures. Preventive Steps Drink water with fluoride Avoid sugary snacks and beverages Brush and floss teeth regularly Use antibacterial mouthwash See your dentist! While baby teeth will eventually be replaced with permanent teeth, losing baby teeth prematurely can cause alignment problems in the future. Plus, braces are expensive! To make sure your toddler has good oral hygiene, follow these tips and make sure to ask your dentist about other preventive measures you can take.