Sure, baby teeth are temporary, but they are still very important and susceptible to cavities. The reason for tooth decay in infants and toddlers is usually because of baby bottles. Decayed baby teeth result in difficulty chewing food, speaking, and smiling. Dr. Tina Moses is a pediatric dentist that offers her Augusta, GA, patients a variety of services, including sealants, fillings, and preventative care.
Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby teeth help direct adult teeth to erupt/come in correctly, which is why it's just as important for children to maintain a healthy oral regimen. One of the big issues parents aren't aware of is baby bottle tooth decay.
Causes of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
- Baby bottle tooth decay usually affects the upper front teeth and is a result of frequent and prolonged exposure to sugar-containing drinks, like milk or juice. It's especially a problem when parents put their children to bed with a baby bottle or parents use a baby bottle instead of a pacifier.
- Another way in which bacteria may infect a baby's tooth is if the mother or caregiver passes the bacteria to the baby. How? Like if saliva passes from the mother to the baby when she's put a spoon in her mouth then in the baby's mouth.
- Parents also need to provide their children with an adequate amount of fluoride. Fluoride protects against cavities and stops tooth decay. Make sure to use fluoride-containing toothpaste for your children.
Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
- A good rule of thumb is to give your baby water in their bottle when you put them to bed, instead of juice or milk to prevent decay.
- Visit your pediatric dentist in Augusta for regular checkups.
- Avoid exchanging saliva through the common use of feeding spoons or licking pacifiers.
- Use a damp washcloth to wipe your child’s gums after feeding them.
- Floss between teeth that have erupted adjacently and brush teeth as soon as the first tooth comes in.
- Encourage healthy eating habits and drinking through a sippy cup, instead of a bottle.
Need to speak with your pediatric dentist?
If you'd like to learn more about baby bottle tooth decay, call Dr. Tina Moses at her Augusta, GA, office: (706) 863-6262.