Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

 

 

Ways to prevent 'Early Decay'

  • Put only water in a bedtime or naptime bottle
  • Never use a nursing bottle filled with sweet liquid ( including milk or fruit juice ) as a pacifier
  • Never dip your infant's pacifier in honey, syrup or sugar
  • After each feeding, wipe your infant's gums and teeth with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad
  • As soon as the first tooth appears, brush your child's teeth daily with a child size toothbrush
  • Make sure your child gets the fluoride needed for decay resistant teeth
  • Start regular dental visits when your child is between 1 and 2 years of age

     Pictures of the progress of 'baby bottle decay'

 

  
  Healthy Teeth and Gums Early Decay  
   

 

Moderate Decay

Severe Decay

  
 
Parents may not know there is a problem until serious damage has been done:
  • Oral checks should be performed by parents to detect early signs of the disease.
  • Brown spots along the gumline on your child’s teeth are signs which should alert you.
  • If your child prefers soft foods, frowns or cries when eating cold, sweet, or hard foods, they should be checked for tooth decay.
By the time tooth decay is noticed it may be too late and crowns, pulp therapy, or even extraction of the decayed teeth may be necessary. As a result, your child may suffer from long term disorders which include speech impediments, possible psychological damage, crooked or crowded teeth, and poor oral health.
 

You can prevent this from happening to your child’s teeth by learning how to protect them.

  • clean your child’s teeth daily
  • never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle filled with juice, milk, or formula (or when awake, sip on it for long periods of time as a pacifier)
  • start bottle weaning by at least a year
  • give your child plain water for thirst
  • make sure your child gets the fluoride needed to prevent decay
  • have regular dental visits for your child beginning when their first tooth erupts

 

TIP: Cut back on sugary bottles by gradually watering them down until they are only water.

Most children begin life with strong, healthy teeth. Help your child’s teeth stay that way. Your newborn is totally dependent upon you as a parent. The decisions you make will have a vital effect on your child’s dental future.

Your dentist  can provide you with more information which can improve the care of your child’s teeth and maximize their oral health.

Email the "Tooth Fairy"