What's
baby bottle tooth decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent and long?term exposure
of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugars. Among these liquids are
milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas, and other sweetened drinks. The sugars
in these liquids pool around the infant's teeth and gums, feeding the bacteria
that cause plaque. Every time a child consumes a sugary liquid, acid attacks
the teeth and gums. After numerous attacks, tooth decay can begin. The condition also is associated with breastfed infants
who have prolonged feeding habits or with children whose pacifiers are
frequently dipped in honey, sugar or syrup. The sweet fluids left in the
mouth increases the chances of cavities while the infant is sleeping.
How can I prevent baby bottle
tooth decay?
Never allow children to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula,
juice or other sweetened liquids. Clean and massage the baby's gums to
help establish healthy teeth and to aid in teething. Wrap a moistened
gauze square or washcloth around the finger and gently massage the gums
and gingival tissues. This should be done once a day. Plaque removal activities should begin upon eruption of
the first baby tooth. When brushing a child's teeth, use a soft toothbrush
and a pea?shaped amount of fluoride toothpaste. Parents should first bring
their child to the dentist when the child is between six and 12 months
old.
Will changes in my child's diet
help prevent baby bottle tooth decay?
Preventing baby bottle tooth decay involves changes in a child's diet.
A series of small changes over a period of time is usually easier, and
eventually leads to better oral health.
To incorporate these changes:
> Gradually dilute the bottle contents with water over a period of
2-3 weeks.
> Once that period is over, if you give a child a bottle, fill it with
water or give the child a clean pacifier recommended by a dentist. The
only safe liquid to put in a bottle to prevent baby bottle tooth decay
is water.
> Decrease consumption of sugar, especially between meals.
> Children should be weaned from the bottle as soon as they can drink
from a cup, but the bottle should not be taken away too soon, since the
sucking motion aids in the development of facial muscles, as well as the
tongue.
Why should I be worried about baby bottle
tooth decay?
Giving an infant a sugary drink at nap or night time is harmful because
during sleep, the flow of saliva decreases, allowing the sugary liquids
to linger on the child's teeth for an extended period of time. If left untreated, pain and infection can result. Severely
decayed teeth may need to be extracted. If teeth are infected or lost too early due to baby bottle
tooth decay, your child may develop poor eating habits, speech problems,
crooked teeth, and damaged adult teeth. Healthy baby teeth will usually
result in healthy permanent teeth.
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