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, orthodontist, and staff love children and are specially trained to put them at ease. We teach your children to take care of their teeth and that the dentist can be fun!

Dr. James Spiger

Dr. Brandon Luckett

Orthodontist

Dr. Ana Avella

Dr. Linh "Monica" Galvez

Dr. Sai Goolla

Dr. Helson Lasanta-Luna

Dr. Sharon Mathew

Dr. Gregory Poindexter

Dr. Anna To

Dr. Lan Ton

Parents Trust the Jamboree Team!

Lovely people here, they are so nice and very patient with the kids. They make sure to interact with them and make them laugh.

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.

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.

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.

5 Amazing Locations in Houston, TX

Jamboree Dentistry & Orthodontics offers pediatric dental services at all locations and comprehensive orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages at the Telephone Road and Willow Chase locations. We’re accepting new patients! Call the office nearest you or book an appointment online. We can’t wait to meet you!