How to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby bottle tooth decay is a common problem when it comes to tooth decay in children, and if this problem occurs a dentist may have to reverse tooth decay using fillings or other methods. Water is the only liquid which will not cause any baby bottle tooth decay, because it contains no sugar at all. When your baby or child eats or drinks anything besides water, sugars in the substances are present in the mouth. Acid attacks these bacteria, but it also wears down the surface of your child’s tooth. This can lead to cavities, and worse problems if the decay is not prevented or treated. Putting your infant or toddler to bed with a bottle of juice, milk, or anything besides plain water will cause decay to start.
Baby bottle tooth decay is becoming more common, and pediatric dentists are seeing more children with serious problems at a younger age than ever. Clean your child’s teeth until they are old enough to take over this chore. Tooth decay in children can be prevented by good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Never put your baby to bed with a bottle that has anything other than water. Limit the amount of sugary foods and drinks that you give your child, so you do not have to reverse tooth decay later on. Another tip is that you should never dip a pacifier in sugar, honey, or other sweetening agent, because this can contribute to tooth decay in children and start bad habits for life.
The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.
If you really have to put your baby to bed with a bottle, make sure it contains water only. Also, you should practice good oral hygiene with your baby by gently wiping his/her gums with a damp dish cloth.August 10th, 2010 at 1:40 am