BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY
In the day, when your baby gets fussy, do you give the baby a bottle of milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids as a pacifier? When putting your baby to bed, do you let your baby have a bottle of any of these liquids?
Both these habits can lead to a pattern of serious, early tooth decay known as baby bottle tooth decay. This same condition can also result from prolonged demand breastfeeding.
What is baby bottle tooth decay?
This is a dental condition that can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child. The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected by this condition.
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Decay caused by prolonged demand breastfeeding
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Baby bottle tooth decay
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What causes baby bottle tooth decay?
The disease is caused by prolonged exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugars (e.g. milk, juices, syrups). The sugars in these liquids are acted upon by bacteria in the mouth to form acids, which attack the tooth enamel.
Apart from the contents of your child's bottle, the frequency and duration of exposure to the decay-causing acids also contribute to the extent of baby bottle tooth decay. It is not advisable to offer your child a bottle containing these liquids - as a pacifier -often. Allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during sleep can do serious harm to the child's teeth.
How can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?
- Avoid filling your child's nursing bottle with liquids such as sugared water, honey or soft drinks
- Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk or sweetened liquids
- If your child needs a comforter between regular feedings, give him a bottle of cool water instead
- Clean your child's teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad after each feeding
- Begin brushing your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts
- Start dental visits from age 1