Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay | Kids Toothbrush Club

Here at Kids Toothbrush Club, we stress the importance of starting oral health care at a young age. But at what age should we be concerned about tooth decay? Would you believe before babies even have their first teeth?
 Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is caused from baby bottles or pacifiers, and can lead to oral health complications later in life. In fact, the Center for Disease Control reported that 28% of children between ages 2 and 5 have had some form of tooth decay. This type of tooth decay is prevalent and occurs when the liquids in a baby bottle or pacifier clings to an infants teeth.  Though it starts with negligence of baby teeth, it leads to long-term consequences as your child ages.  Start the work early—that extra care for a few minutes a day saves a lifetime of dentist bills and discomfort!
It’s common for children to suck and sip from a bottle or pacifier, but the bacteria from any liquid other than water can build and stick to an infant’s teeth, causing tooth decay or cavities known as childhood caries.  Caries can spread quickly and lead to childhood abscess, which puts a child at very high risk of getting cavities later in life.  It’s important that you do not give your child any liquids containing sugar before you put them down for bed because the flow of saliva decreases during sleep.  Bacteria feed off this sugar, and produce acids that attack the teeth.  Sometimes, you will be able to see the bacteria on the edges of the teeth, or small white spots on the actual tooth.
Usually, this type of tooth decay occurs in the upper front teeth, but can also affect the back of the mouth as well.  Baby teeth are just as important as regular teeth and help childhood physical development such as chewing and speaking, as well as serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. Tooth decay or infected teeth can lead to speech problems, damaged adult teeth, and crooked teeth.
Implementing proper tooth hygiene at a young age is essential.  Some ways to start are wiping your child’s gums with a clean gauze pad or washcloth after each feeding; clean and massage gums in areas without teeth; stay away from sugary drinks before you put your child to sleep; change in diet and make sure your child is getting enough fluoride.
It’s crucial to take preventative measures to prevent tooth decay and it’s never too early to start.  “Because every child deserves a healthy smile.”

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