Do you know how to identify early signs of baby bottle tooth decay?
Baby teeth are important for speaking, chewing, and even smiling. But, like any other teeth they can experience dental problems. We have some tips here to help you avoid that.
Baby bottle tooth decay, which is tooth decay that can be found in babies and small children, can be a serious problem. It can result in pain, infection, and even teeth removal.
This decay happens when a sweetened liquid or a liquid containing natural sugar stays on the baby’s teeth too long. The bacteria found in the baby’s mouth flourishes on this sugar and in response, produces acids that attack the teeth. The good new is, there are things you can do to help prevent baby bottle tooth decay.
- After your baby eats, wipe his gums with a washcloth or a clean gauze pad.
- As soon as your baby’s first tooth comes in, start brushing it without toothpaste.
- Massage and clean the gums where no teeth have come in.
- Once all the baby teeth have come in, start flossing your child’s teeth.
- Ensure that your baby is getting enough fluoride. This is important to help reduce the chance of cavities. Ask your dentist how your child can get fluoride if your local water doesn’t contain it.
- See the dentist regularly by the time your child turns one. Consider having your dentist apply a coating of special sealant on your child’s teeth. This can help prevent tooth decay.
- Don’t put soft drinks in bottles for your child.
- Only allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing water.
- Don’t dip your child’s pacifier in anything sweet.
Make sure to take good care of your baby’s teeth. For more information on baby bottle tooth decay or if you have a dental issue you cannot handle on your own, make sure to go to Padden Dental.
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