Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
What is baby bottle tooth decay?
Decay in infants and children is called baby bottle tooth decay.
It can destroy the teeth and most often occurs in the upper front
teeth, but other teeth may also be affected.
What causes baby bottle tooth decay?
Decay occurs when sweetened liquids are given and are left clinging
to an infant's teeth for long periods. Many sweet liquids cause
problems, including milk, formula and fruit juice. Bacteria in the
mouth use these sugars as food. They then produce acids that attack
the teeth. Each time your child drinks these liquids, acids attack
for 20 minutes or longer. After many attacks, the teeth can decay.
It's not just what you put in your child's bottle that causes decay,
but how often — and for how long a time. Giving your child
a bottle of sweetened liquid many times a day isn't a good idea.
Allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or
at night can also harm the child's teeth.
Why are baby teeth important?
Your child's baby teeth are important. Children need strong, healthy
teeth to chew their food, speak and have a good-looking smile. Baby
teeth also keep a space in the jaw for the adult teeth. If a baby
tooth is lost too early, the teeth beside it may drift into the
empty space. When it's time for the adult teeth to come in, there
may not be enough room. This can make the teeth crooked or crowded.
How to prevent baby bottle tooth decay
Sometimes parents do not realize that a baby's teeth can decay
soon after they appear in the mouth. By the time decay is noticed,
it may be too late to save the teeth. You can help prevent this
from happening to your child by following the tips below:
- After each feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a clean cloth.
Begin brushing your child's teeth when the first tooth erupts.
Clean and massage gums in areas that remain toothless, and begin
flossing when all the baby teeth have erupted, usually by age
2 or 2½.
- Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing
milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids.
- If your child needs a comforter between regular feedings, at
night, or during naps, fill a bottle with cool water or give the
child a clean pacifier. Never give your child a pacifier dipped
in any sweet liquid.
- Avoid filling your child's bottle with liquids such as sugar
water and soft drinks.
- If your local water supply does not contain fluoride (a substance
that helps prevent tooth decay), ask us how your child should
get it.
- Start dental visits by the child's first birthday. Make visits
regularly. If you think your child has dental problems, please
call our office as soon as possible.
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