Just because baby teeth are temporary doesn’t mean they are not important. Toddlers need strong healthy teeth to chew, speak, and have lovely smiles. Teeth that are lost too early because of baby bottle decay may cause crooked teeth and damage to adult teeth. At Nicholas Dose, DMD, we can help ensure your baby’s first teeth remain healthy and free of decay.
What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay happens when parents put a bottle of milk, formula, juice, or sugary drinks, in their infant’s mouth when the baby is sleeping. When your child is sleeping, there is a reduced flow of saliva, which is not sufficient to wash away or neutralize the effects of sugar in your child’s drink. As a result, acid-producing bacteria may proliferate and your child may develop white spots on their front teeth, which is an early sign of baby bottle tooth decay. It can also occur if you allow your children to drink sweet beverages from sippy cups frequently throughout the day. Parents may also pass bacteria to their children if they share utensils with their toddlers while eating.
How to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
There are some easy ways you can stave off baby bottle tooth decay: When putting your child to put to bed, place only water in their baby bottles. Avoid juices or other sugary drinks. Once your child’s first tooth comes in, usually around 6 months of age, you should schedule a visit to Dr. Dose by calling us at (503) 765-7300. Remember, early dental care is the key to good lifelong dental health.