Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Young children, even babies, need strong teeth to talk, eat, and smile. Furthermore, baby teeth need care and protection against cavities and decay. Parents and caregivers should be wary of baby bottle tooth decay, which can impact children’s tooth development. Here, we explain this condition and what you can do to prevent it and protect your children’s oral health.
What Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay, also called early childhood caries, refers to cavities and other forms of tooth decay in children from birth to age six. The deterioration typically occurs in the upper front teeth, but other areas may also be affected. This form of decay can negatively affect the healthy development of permanent teeth, preventing their proper emergence and growth.
What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Baby teeth are less robust than permanent teeth because the enamel is thinner. That’s why these teeth are especially vulnerable to cavities.
The most common cause of baby bottle tooth decay is excessive consumption of sugary food and drinks. A contributing factor associated with sugar is when a child falls asleep with a bottle of juice or milk in their mouth. Even after they stop sipping, some of the sugary liquid can remain in the mouth and make contact with the teeth. If this happens often enough, tooth decay may develop.
Early childhood caries can also stem from the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria between a primary caregiver and the child. Cleaning a pacifier with or placing a spoon in the mouth can allow the bacteria to pass from adult to child via the saliva.
Finally, children who get insufficient amounts of fluoride can also be susceptible to cavities. Fluoride is crucial in strengthening tooth enamel, and it comes from fluoridated water and toothpaste with fluoride.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Babies and Young Children
Fortunately, baby bottle tooth decay is preventable. It’s never too early in a child’s development to keep those harmful bacteria at bay. Because of the susceptibility of teeth at this age, it’s crucial to limit children’s consumption of sugary foods and drinks and encourage a healthy diet. Regular check-ups with a dentist close to home can also preserve the health of baby teeth and ensure they help pave the way to healthy permanent teeth. Here are other ways to prevent baby bottle tooth decay:
- After each meal, wipe the child’s gums clean with a washcloth or damp gauze.
- Clean the child’s eating utensils with soap and water; never put them in your mouth.
- Never put a child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Always have the child finish their drink before they fall asleep.
- Don’t put honey on pacifiers. Honey consumption in children under a year old can increase the risk of infant botulism.
- Start gently brushing a child’s teeth as they begin to push through the gums.
- When the first tooth appears, schedule the first dental appointment. The should occur by the first birthday.
Find a Qualified Dental Provider in Cincinnati for Your Child
Baby bottle tooth decay can be detrimental to a child’s future oral health, but you can prevent it. Your local Beckham Square Family Dental provider can keep your family on track with their dental care and help you address any issues. Whether it’s your child’s first or one of many visits, call our office today to schedule an appointment.