Though the name sounds obvious, baby bottle tooth decay, is a phrase that envelopes any form of tooth decay in babies which can happen from a variety of things, not limited to baby bottles. Protecting your young child's teeth, even knowing that they will not last long, is important.
The health of their baby teeth can be predictors for the health of their permanent teeth and starting good oral hygiene young can establish a healthy path.
What is baby bottle tooth decay?
This phrase is used when discussing cavities in young children. Frequently found in those first front teeth, cavities can happen from various things, it just means that bacteria has found its way onto their teeth.
This can happen from:
• Unclean items that your child has put in their mouth, ie. toys, pacifiers, bottle nipples, etc. babies are very oral and put things in their mouths constantly that has bacteria present.
• Being given bottles of juice, some parents have even put babies to bed in their cribs with bottles. This allows the sugar a long period of time to rest on your baby's teeth.
• Sharing spoons or other utensils with them. Adults have a larger variety of decaying bacteria present in their mouths, when you share a utensil with your baby, you are sharing your bacteria with them.
• Dipping their pacifiers in honey or sugar to appease a sad baby. Introducing unnecessary sugar to your baby can be detrimental to their brand new teeth.
What can I do to keep my baby's teeth healthy?
Keeping your baby's teeth healthy is done by keeping them clean. Be aware of what your baby is putting in their mouth, we know they want to put everything in their mouth, just ensure that it is clean items. Avoid sharing utensils with them, keep your own bacteria to yourself. Avoid giving your baby unnecessary sugar.
We may think it's cute or fun to give a baby sweet foods or drinks, but it is better for their long term health to avoid them. Your child will be presented with enough sugary items to enjoy by outside sources, they will benefit by not being given them by you.
Please contact us if you have any questions about baby bottle tooth decay.
