How Does Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Occur?
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is a name for tooth decay that develops in infants and toddlers. It’s vital that dental care begins even at the infant age level. Although permanent teeth will eventually replace a child’s baby teeth, how baby teeth form can affect how their adult teeth form. Plus, having healthy teeth and being able to chew properly is important. And even children want to have a pleasant smile.
In many cases, tooth decay from baby bottles affects the upper front teeth. Filling a baby bottle with drinks that contain sugar can lead to tooth decay. Also, when babies go to sleep while sucking on a bottle, it can allow bacteria to build up in their mouth. A mother who licks a pacifier, spoon or bottle to clean it off can pass her bacteria to the baby. Doing this can promote decay. Not receiving sufficient amounts of fluoride can also be a factor in developing tooth decay.
Guidelines for Avoiding Baby Bottle Tooth Decay in Infants and Toddlers
The following guidelines can help parents avoid baby bottle tooth decay in their infants and toddlers:
- Avoid filling bottles with sugary drinks (fruit juices, sugar water or soft drinks) and only put milk, breast milk or baby formula in bottles.
- Have your child finish the bottle before putting them to bed.
- Only use clean pacifiers and do not dip them in sugar or honey.
- Help your child learn to drink from a cup by their first birthday.
- Do not share your saliva with the baby.
- After each feeding, wipe your baby’s gums with a washcloth or clean, damp gauze.
- Encourage your child to eat healthy foods.
- Teach your child how to brush their teeth, or if they’re too young to brush, you can brush their teeth for them and use fluoride toothpaste.
(Reference: MouthHealthy)
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At Hutto Hippo Family Dental, we help people of all ages to have healthy teeth and gums. We are glad to answer any questions you may have.
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