If your baby or
toddler has a habit of falling asleep with a baby bottle in his or her mouth
baby bottle tooth decay could happen, especially if the bottle is filled with
juice, soda, formula, or milk. Baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth
and need to be looked after just as carefully.
According to The
American Dental Association, baby bottle tooth decay occurs when natural sugars
or sweetened liquids cling to a baby or toddlers teeth for long periods. Mouth
bacteria thrive on sugar converting it to acid that will attack teeth.
Children who fall
asleep with a bottle during naptime or at night or kids who have their
pacifiers dipped in syrup or sugar are at risk when it comes to baby bottle
decay. Giving babies sugary drinks at bedtime is especially risky because
saliva flow is reduced during sleep.
Although baby bottle tooth
decay usually occurs in front teeth, other baby teeth could also be affected.
Baby teeth may be
temporary, but they are just as important. Baby teeth help your children speak,
chew, and smile. Baby teeth also act as a placeholder for adult or permanent
teeth. If baby bottle tooth decay isn’t taken care of, infection and pain may
result. If the decay is too bad, the teeth may have to go.
If teeth are infected
or even lost due to baby bottle decay, your baby could develop bad eating
habits, crooked teeth, and speech problems and even damaged permanent teeth. With
that being said, there are some things you can do to help prevent baby bottle
tooth decay.
- Wipe your baby’s gums with a washcloth after feeding
- Start brushing your baby or toddlers teeth without toothpaste when the first tooth erupts
- Massage and clean gums that don’t have teeth
- Floss once your baby’s teeth have all come in
- Make sure that your baby or toddler is getting enough fluoride
- Schedule regular checkups with your dentist by your baby’s first birthday
- Ask your dentist about dental sealants which can help prevent cavities
If you would like
more information about baby bottle tooth decay, talk to your dentist today.
