Protect Baby Teeth from Early Decay
Maintaining the health of baby teeth is incredibly important. Even though they will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, baby teeth play several vital roles in the meantime.
Baby teeth help with clear speech and pronunciation, allow a child to chew food properly, hold space for the future adult teeth, and guide the tongue to rest in the correct position in the mouth. When baby teeth are lost too early, the teeth next to them can shift into the empty space, leading to adult teeth becoming stuck (impacted) and potentially requiring orthodontic treatment. This can result in impacted adult teeth, years of braces, and a less than ideal smile.
Babies are at risk for tooth decay as soon as their first primary tooth appears – usually around six months of age. Because of this, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a "well-baby check-up" with a pediatric dentist around the time of the child's first birthday. Sky Pediatric Dentistry offers special 'Baby Smiles' appointments for children up to 3 years old.
What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
The term "baby bottle tooth decay" refers to early childhood caries (cavities) that develop in infants and toddlers. Baby bottle tooth decay can affect any or all of the teeth but is most common in the front teeth of the upper jaw.
If baby bottle tooth decay becomes severe, the pediatric dentist may not be able to save the affected tooth. In these cases, the damaged tooth is removed, and a space maintainer is used to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
Scheduling regular checkups with a pediatric dentist and following a good oral hygiene routine at home can completely prevent baby bottle tooth decay.
How Does Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Develop?
Tooth decay is caused by acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. Initially, these bacteria can be passed from the mother or father to the baby through saliva. Every time parents share a spoon with the baby or try to clean a pacifier with their mouths, the parental bacteria enter the baby’s mouth.
However, the most significant cause of baby bottle tooth decay is frequent exposure to sugary liquids. These liquids include breast milk, baby formula, juice, and sweetened water – essentially any fluid a parent might put in a baby bottle.
When sugary liquids are given as a drink during naps or at bedtime, they pose a higher risk because they stay in the mouth for a long time. Oral bacteria feed on the sugar around the teeth and produce harmful acids. These acids erode the tooth enamel, leading to painful cavities and early childhood tooth decay.
Infants who do not receive enough fluoride are also at a higher risk for tooth decay. Fluoride helps protect tooth enamel by reducing mineral loss and promoting mineral reuptake. Through questionnaires and examinations, the pediatric dentist can determine if a particular infant needs fluoride supplements or is at high risk for baby bottle tooth decay.
What Can I Do at Home to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay is completely preventable with commitment from parents. Scheduling regular dental appointments and following the guidelines below will help keep every child’s smile healthy, beautiful, and free from decay:
- Try to avoid passing bacteria to your child through saliva exchange. Rinse pacifiers and toys in clean water, and use a clean spoon for each person eating.
- Clean your baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth after every feeding.
- Once teeth begin to emerge, use an age-appropriate, soft toothbrush and an ADA-approved toothpaste to brush twice a day. Fluoride-free toothpaste is generally recommended for children under two years old.
- Use a tiny, smear-sized amount of toothpaste twice a day for children under two. Dr. Ashley and the Sky Pediatric Dentistry team can help you choose the right toothpaste for your child’s age and needs.
- Avoid putting sugary drinks in baby bottles or sippy cups. Only fill these containers with water, breast milk, or formula. Encourage your child to transition to a regular cup (instead of a sippy cup) around their first birthday.
- Do not dip pacifiers in sweet liquids like honey.
- Review your child’s eating habits. Limit sugary snacks and encourage a healthy, nutritious diet.
- Do not allow your child to take a bottle filled with liquid to bed. If they insist, fill the bottle with water instead of a sugary alternative.
- Brush your child’s teeth for them until they reach the age of seven. Before this age, children often lack the dexterity to clean all areas of their mouths effectively.
- Ask your pediatric dentist to assess your child’s fluoride needs.
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