Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

It is important to start infants with good oral care that will last a lifetime. If a baby’s tooth is lost too early through baby bottle tooth decay, other teeth may drift into the empty space, and there will not be room when adult teeth come in.

Baby bottle tooth decay happens when a baby’s teeth are in frequent contact with sugars from liquid carbohydrates such as fruit juices, milk, formula or fruit juice.

Many times it occurs when the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used as pacifier for a fussy baby. The bacteria in the mouth uses the sugar as food and produce acid that attack the teeth. After multiple attacks, the teeth decay.

There are some simple methods to prevent teeth decay and give your child strong oral health:

• To calm your baby, don’t give a bottle filled with sugary liquids or milk—instead give water or a pacifier.
• Don’t dip your baby’s pacifier in sugar, honey, or sugary liquid.
• At bedtime, if you give your baby a bottle in bed, only put water in it.
• No extra sugar should be added to their food.
• Use a wet cloth to wipe their teeth and gums after feeding to remove bacteria.
• Encourage healthy eating habits that include a diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Serve nutritious snacks and limit sweets to after mealtimes.

If you have any questions about baby bottle tooth decay, give us a call today.