Vital Pointers Concerning Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby bottle tooth decay happens when sugary drinks have adhered to the child’s teeth for an extended time period. Because bacteria inside of the mouth are known to thrive on sugar, this produces acids that begin to decay the teeth.  It is common to discover baby bottle tooth decay present on the front teeth, however, it can occur almost anywhere inside of the mouth. Children who are often drinking sweetened or sugary liquids before their nap or bedtime tend to be more at an increased risk to acquire this type of tooth decay because there is less saliva flow during slumber.

The problem is actually fairly serious because if it’s not treated properly by an experienced pediatric dentistry professional, it can result in infection and lots of pain for your baby. Teeth that have been left to decay far beyond help will need to be removed in the interests of the youngster’s health. Additionally, when the teeth are infected or removed, it can cause issues including speech problems, lack of appetite, poor eating, or crooked teeth. It can also damage the teeth that grow in as the child matures into an adult.

There are actions that usually can be taken to assist in preventing baby bottle tooth decay before it will become serious. Whenever you give your infant a bottle, only let them have liquids including breast milk, milk, formula, or water. Don’t give them soda, juice, or other sugary drinks through the bottle because this is the cause of the decay. Additionally, don’t give your children pacifiers dipped in sugar, honey, or candy substances. This constant exposure to sugar is definitely the precise reason that tooth decay can begin. Every time you feed your baby, you should wipe their gums clean with a washcloth. Try to massage and clean the areas of your baby’s mouth, even if teeth haven’t yet developed. Encouraging your youngster to drink out of a real cup instead of a training cup is yet another approach to prevent tooth problems. When the first tooth arrives, brush it gently without using toothpaste. Your dentist may also suggest adding more fluoride intake to your child’s diet.

The most prevalent way that dentists treat baby bottle tooth decay is unfortunately whenever a cavity has been discovered. However, most dentists would like to prevent this situation from ever happening at all. It is recommended that you schedule your son or daughter’s first dental appointment by the time their first tooth has appeared. For the majority of children, it’s even recommended to start dental appointments before their first birthday. Your dentist can apply a fluoride treatment to the teeth for helping strengthen and protect them. Once your child is old enough to use toothpaste without worrying about the chance of swallowing it, dentists suggest that you introduce a fluoride toothpaste for additional protection.