Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby teeth, by nature, aren’t as strong as their adult teeth counterparts. This means they’re much more susceptible to dental decay. Hence why children often get more cavities than adults. This doesn’t mean that parents shouldn’t take care of their children's baby teeth. Learning good dental habits now will follow them into adulthood. So when your infant experiences a phenomenon called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, schedule an appointment with Drs. Na Xu and Mark Thomas right away. Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem, OR, offers pediatric dentistry services.

 

Like all cavities, they are formed by an accumulation of bacteria within the mouth. Sugary substances left on the teeth attract hordes of bacteria. This right here is the biggest cause of baby bottle tooth decay. The culprit is found right in your child's bottle. The American Dental Association recommends parents only fill bottles with breast milk, milk, or formula. Avoid giving beverages that are high in sugar. This includes soft drinks, sugar-water, and juice. For older children, water is the recommended choice. The majority of the water supply in the U.S. contains fluoride, a cavity-preventing chemical.

 

Giving your infant access to a bottle during the night also leads to decay. Moisture flourishes in their mouth due to this. Always make sure you’re giving your child clean pacifiers. Wash them often and avoid dipping them in substances like honey.

 

Another source of bacteria comes from the mother. Transferal of saliva between the mother and child often starts baby bottle tooth decay. Sharing food or improperly cleaning pacifiers introduces bacteria. Try to avoid unnecessary mouth-to-mouth contact.

 

Schedule your child's first dental appointment at Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem, OR. It’s recommended they have their first appointment after receiving their first tooth or by their first birthday. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Na Xu or Mark Thomas, visit our website or call 503-385-1185.