Baby Bottle Tooth Decay and How to Protect Your Baby’s Teeth
When a very young infant develops tooth decay, it is often called baby bottle tooth decay and is caused when infants are given sugary liquids including milk, fruit juice and formula in their bottle. Children are particularly at risk when given a sugary drink at night time or at nap time because their teeth will be exposed to these sugars for longer. Giving a child a sugary drink at night time is especially harmful because less saliva is produced and the drier conditions allow bacteria to grow more easily. Bacteria in their mouth will thrive on these sugars and create acid as a by-product. The acid attacks their tooth enamel, causing cavities. Baby bottle tooth decay tends to most frequently affect the upper front teeth but other teeth may also become decayed.
Tips for Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
If your child would like a night-time drink, give them plain water and never dip pacifiers in honey or other sweetened substances. Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth comes through and make sure you book their first dental visit with us here at Apple Dental. We can offer practical advice and information on how to look after their teeth and how to avoid tooth decay.
How to Protect Your Baby’s Teeth
Your baby’s first teeth are precious and it is important to look after them and prevent childhood caries or tooth decay. As a family oriented dental practice we all love seeing young children and encourage you to book your child’s very first dental visit soon after they get their first tooth. As a part of this dental check-up we will talk to you about the best way to clean your child’s teeth and how to gently floss them when they begin to come into contact with each other. We can also suggest the most suitable toothbrush and toothpaste to help prevent decay.
Help Keep Baby Teeth Cavity Free
The best way to keep your baby’s teeth cavity free is to avoid sugary drinks and snacks. Babies should never be sent to bed with a bottle full of fruit juice or formula as the sugars will stick to your child’s teeth overnight which increases the risk of cavities. If your child wants a drink it is best to give them plain water.
Dipping your child’s dummy in honey or any other sugary substance will also harm your baby’s teeth and should be avoided. It is also important that as parents you have good oral health as cavity-causing bacteria can spread from your mouth to your baby’s mouth, especially if you share utensils or lick a dummy before returning it to them. Our friendly dental team will work with you to help ensure your child grows up with healthy teeth. Please contact us to book an appointment.