Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby teeth act as temporary placeholders for the permanent teeth to help them come out correctly. Despite being temporary, they play a major role in a child aside from being place holders. They help the child chew food and speak. They are just as susceptible to cavities as the adult teeth are.

Cavities are often caused by tooth decay commonly referred to as baby bottle tooth decay.  Baby bottle tooth decay, which can lead to cavities, can affect all teeth but most commonly occurs in the upper front teeth. It is caused by several factors but the most frequent cause is frequent exposure to sugary drinks for a prolonged time. It can occur when the baby bottle is used as a pacifier to help him sleep or calm a fussy baby.

Without good oral hygiene, bacteria accumulate in the mouth and release acidic substances that tend to cause decay among their problems. Baby tooth decay can also be caused by cavity-causing bacteria that can be transferred from mother to child through saliva passed when the baby’s utensils come in contact with the mother’s saliva.

Because the baby teeth are important, they must be well taken care of right from the time they appear. Maintaining good oral hygiene at an early age helps the child develop the same habit and carry it into household. By maintaining good oral hygiene from an early age, baby tooth decay can be prevented. Here’s how:

·         Avoid licking the baby’s pacifier or using the baby’s feeding spoons.

·         Wipe your baby’s gums, even if the teeth have not come out, using a clean damp washcloth or gauze pad.

·         Brush the teeth gently using a small toothbrush meant for kids. You can use a smear of fluoride toothpaste for children up to 3 years of age. The smear must not be larger than a grain of rice.

·         After age 3, use a small amount (pea-sized) of fluoride toothpaste and an appropriate size of toothbrush for children of this age.

·         Baby bottles should be well cleaned and used only with milk or formula. Avoid soft drinks and juices which are sugared.

·         Ensure that the pacifier is well cleaned if your child must use one.

·         Never dip the pacifiers in sugary substances such as honey

·         From age 1, encourage the child to use a cup instead of a bottle when drinking.

·         Ensure that the child eats healthy, balanced meals.

·         For older children up to the age of 6 or 7, you should always supervise the children when they brush their teeth to make sure that they can spit out. If left to brush their teeth on their own, they might not clean them properly or they may swallow the toothpaste.

·         It is also important to take your child for regular dental visits. The dentist will examine the teeth for any signs of problems including teeth decay and any dental development problems. The key is to keep your children’s teeth clean and when they are old enough, teach them the good oral hygiene.