“Baby bottle tooth decay” probably sounds like a terrifying oral disease, but actually, it’s fairly common. Many parents put their babies to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, not realizing that this can contribute to “tooth decay” – otherwise known as cavities. Keep reading to learn more about this phenomenon and what you can do to prevent it from affecting your child’s dental health.
What Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
In a nutshell, baby bottle tooth decay occurs when infants are over-exposed to breast milk, fruit juice, or formula. It’s closely associated with nightly bottle feeding because babies tend to suck on the bottle for prolonged periods, increasing the amount of time their teeth interact with the sugar in these liquids. Sugar accelerates bacteria growth, and when the bacteria builds up to a certain point, cavities form.
How Can You Prevent It?
One simple solution is to fill your child’s bedtime bottle with plain water instead of milk or juice. That way, if they’re used to having a bottle at night, their routine won’t change too much. It’s also a good idea to gently clean their gums with a wet washcloth after each meal to help mitigate bacteria build up. And even though baby teeth are temporary, they still need to be brushed on a regular basis!
When to Visit Your Pediatric Dentist
Experts typically recommend taking your child to the dentist when their first baby tooth emerges. Baby teeth act as guides that will “tell” future adult teeth where and how to grow, so it’s actually really important to make sure they develop smoothly! Plus, your pediatric dentist can provide personalized tips for keeping your child’s teeth happy and healthy. They say it takes a village to raise a child – well, consider your pediatric dentist part of your village!
About the Author
Dr. Linda Steele has been practicing dentistry for over 30 years and is a proud member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She loves working with children and knows how to make oral hygiene seem fun and interesting. She also excels at giving preventative care tips to parents, so if you’re worried about baby bottle tooth decay, don’t hesitate to give her a call! To contact Dr. Steele’s office, dial 972-640-7432.