Baby bottle tooth decay is an unfortunate condition that attacks and destroys your child’s smile, and it most often occurs when your child frequently drinks sugary liquids from their baby bottle.
Many people believe baby teeth are unnecessary, which is why they ignore baby bottle tooth decay and wait until their child loses all of their teeth. Well, if you are one of these people, it’s time to change your mind set. Primary teeth are very important, especially when it comes to your child’s permanent teeth, and it is best to help your child grow into the smile they love by preventing baby bottle tooth decay.
Baby bottle tooth decay is frequently found in the upper front teeth, but other teeth are often targeted and affected as well. To prevent this condition and help your child have a strong and healthy smile, we strongly recommend doing the following things:
• Do not send your child to bed with a bottle full of juice. If they absolutely need to sleep with a bottle, please fill it with water.
• Throughout the day, do your best to fill your child’s bottle with milk, water, or formula more than juice. That way their teeth aren’t constantly exposed to sugar.
• Do your best to clean your child’s mouth, especially after they consume a sugary drink. You can clean their mouth by gently wiping their gums with a wet washcloth or by brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste once their teeth come in.
• Do not dip your child’s pacifier with sugar or honey.
• Encourage your child to drink from a cup by their first birthday.
If you would like to know more about baby bottle tooth decay and prevention, call our office today and talk to a member of our team. We are more than happy to help your child have the best oral health possible!