The Basics of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

When parents put their little ones to sleep, sometimes they leave them with a bottle. While that might be soothing as they drift off to dreamland, leaving a bottle in the crib can be problematic for tiny teeth. Take a moment to brush up on the basics of baby bottle tooth decay.
What is baby bottle tooth decay?
Put simply, baby bottle tooth decay means cavities in baby teeth and can begin soon after teeth appear. It occurs when a baby’s teeth are exposed to sugar for extended periods like at nap time or overnight. During this time, sugar pools around teeth and attacks enamel. This sugar can be introduced from baby bottles with liquids such as milk, formula or juice. With enough exposure, it can lead to high amounts of tooth decay.
Why is it a problem if baby teeth are going to fall out anyway?
Even though baby bottle tooth decay relates to teeth that eventually fall out, it can still create lasting consequences. Healthy baby teeth are essential for chewing, speaking and smiling. When kids’ oral health is compromised, they may experience difficulty with these important aspects of growing up. Unhealthy baby teeth can also set the stage for improperly formed adult teeth, tooth crowding or crooked teeth when adult teeth come in. If the problem isn’t addressed, it could lead to pain or infection, so it’s always a good decision to stay vigilant about oral health from the very start.
How can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?
You have several options to keep your baby’s teeth free from decay. The best way is to avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle. Or, make sure to only fill the bottle with water. No matter what time of day it is, be especially careful about juice because it contains high amounts of sugar. Make sure to limit juice intake to no more than six ounces per day for preschoolers and 12 ounces for older children. If you do allow juice, it’s better to serve it in a cup rather than a bottle. Most children should be able to drink out of a cup after their first birthday.
Preventive care like brushing and regular checkups is key, as well. Experts recommend scheduling your baby’s first visit within six months of the first tooth and no later than the first birthday. Clean their teeth according to infant dental care recommendations. As soon as baby teeth appear, you should begin brushing them with a baby toothbrush and a smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Around age 3 you can begin using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Begin flossing when your child has two teeth that touch.
By keeping your baby’s teeth safe now, you can help them develop a happy and healthy smile when their adult teeth appear.
Comments
Related stories
-
4 Tips for Maintaining Oral Health in Older Adults
With age comes wisdom, right? Well, not always. For many adults, getting older means that unfamiliar oral … Read More
-
Protecting Generations of Smiles: A Look at Seal-A-Smile
Tooth decay is an epidemic among children living in low-income households, due to a lack of accessible … Read More
-
The Dental Care Approach Is Not the Same as Health Care: Preventive vs Restorative Approaches
Many people avoid going to the dentist because of the cost. But maintaining a healthy mouth is … Read More
Sign Up Now
Tweets
Poll

Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 281 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 153 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 68 Likes
- 4 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 47 Likes
- 5 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 32 Likes
- 6 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 28 Likes
- 7 Colds and Oral Health 26 Likes
- 8 Why Do Cavities Hurt? 20 Likes
- 9 The In-between Tooth: Guide to Bicuspids 19 Likes
- 10 Safely Using Colored Contacts 16 Likes
Most Commented