A Dentist Tips for Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

As a family dentist, we treat patients of all ages and often see toddlers with teeth that are infected.  Oftentimes this is caused by something commonly referred to as baby bottle tooth decay.  Children that take a bottle to bed, nurse throughout the night, or suck on pacifiers with sugar are at a greater risk for developing this condition.  The sugars that are placed on the teeth linger throughout the night and create an environment where bacteria can thrive.  As a result, acid is created that attacks the teeth.Children with baby bottle tooth decay will typically come in with damaged front teeth though others can be impacted, as well. Taking a bottle to bed is especially harmful because the amount of saliva that our bodies produce is decreased during the night.  If you notice that your baby’s front teeth appear damaged schedule an appointment to have them cleaned and inspected right away.  If left untreated tooth decay can become extremely painful and baby teeth are no exception.Baby teeth are very important for your child’s development.  As a dentist, we focus on preventative care that can help your child to keep their baby teeth as long as possible.  Many people make the mistake of thinking that they are not important since adult teeth will eventually replace them.  That is simply not the case.  Baby teeth are extremely important for speaking, eating, smiling, and as placeholders for adult teeth.  By treating tooth decay at our dentist office, we can help to preserve your child’s teeth until they are ready to fall out naturally.Once your child starts getting teeth it is time to wean them from nighttime feedings.  Brush their teeth before bed and if they are thirsty give them water until they wake up in the morning.  This will help to prevent tooth decay.You can also use these tips for keeping your baby’s teeth and gums healthy.

• Wipe their gums with a washrag.  A cool one will help them to feel better while teething, and this will allow you to remove sugar and bacteria from their gums while their teeth start to come in.
• Brush with a rubber toothbrush.  You can purchase a small rubber toothbrush at the store that will fit over the top of your finger.  Insert your finger in their mouth and use it to brush their teeth.  This is much easier than trying to force a toothbrush in their mouth while they are young.  You can use a small amount of baby toothpaste, as well.
• Schedule fluoride treatments.  Fluoride will strengthen your child’s teeth and prevent cavities.  We recommend that they receive fluoride treatments until they are teenagers.  You can also brush their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Visit the dentist.  Schedule your baby’s first dental appointment when they are one year of age and continue to take them for regular checkups.  This will help to keep their teeth and gums healthy as they age.

If you are currently giving your child a bottle at bedtime or nursing throughout the night, it is never too late to change your habits.  Slowly wean them or put them on a bottle with water only in order to prevent tooth decay and help them to stay healthy.

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