Our site uses cookies to make your experience on this site even better. We hope you think that is sweet.
Do you know that if your baby prolongs the use of his feeding bottle he may be susceptible to tooth decay? Even though baby teeth are temporary, they require strong, healthy baby teeth to chew their food, talk clearly and have an attractive smile. The healthy baby teeth also ensure the correct growth and placement of the adult teeth. Continue reading to know more about baby bottle tooth decay and effective measures to prevent it.
Your baby’s teeth may be temporary but they play an important role. If they are not take care of properly, they can be infected. Baby bottle tooth decay is a common dental problem that affects babies and toddlers. It is caused if your baby uses his feeding bottle to have liquids like milk, formula milk, fruit juice, soda and other drinks that contain sugar. As your baby cannot brush properly, the sugars in these liquids stick around his teeth and gums, leading to bacteria growth thus causing cavity. Every time a child drinks a liquid with sugar content, his teeth and gums are attacked by acid and this continuous attack leads to tooth decay. Baby bottle tooth decay is seen in babies who are breast-fed for long or with babies who use pacifiers that are dipped in honey or sugar syrup to make them more tempting. So when the baby is sleeping, these sugary liquid which are left in baby’s mouth increases the chance of cavities.
Usually the upper front teeth are most affected with baby bottle tooth decay but it may occur in other teeth also.
Infants who are given feeding bottle in bed or babies who are breastfed to sleep or older toddlers that are allowed to carry around a bottle or a sipper cup throughout the day with sugary liquids in it are at a higher risk of baby bottle tooth decay.
There are various reasons that can cause Baby bottle tooth decay. The main three reasons are:
At the beginning, the decay in tooth may appear as white spots near the gum line on the upper front teeth. At first, these spots are hard to see even for the baby’s dentist without proper equipment. Bay bottle tooth decay needs to be carefully examined and treat to stop it from spreading and causing further damage.
If your baby’s teeth are severely decayed they may need to be removed. If your baby loses his teeth or if they are infected due to baby bottle tooth decay, chances are that your baby will have poor eating habits, have problems with his speech or may get damaged and crooked adult teeth. Don’t push the panic button. With a few simple steps you can prevent baby bottle tooth decay in your baby:
Remember, healthy baby teeth will ultimately result in healthy permanent teeth. So encourage healthy oral habits in your baby.
Come on, sell the idea of signing up with us in two lines so well that they HAVE to sign up.
Is It Safe to Take Alprazolam (Xanax) While Breastfeeding?
'Baby Talking' Or 'Parentese' - What's Your Pick?
10 Alarming Postnatal Symptoms That Need Medical Attention
10 Best Weaning Foods For Your Baby
10 Common Mistakes That New Parents Make
Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.