The moment you welcome your child into the world, you know you would do anything to keep them happy and healthy. As a result, you give them lots of cuddles, create a comfortable crib for them, read them lots of books, and give them a bottle when they are hungry. Unfortunately, if you aren’t careful, their feeding habits can lead to a phenomenon known as “baby bottle tooth decay.” To learn more about the causes and prevention, read on!
What Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
While reading educational books and watching informative videos on parenting, you likely came across baby bottle tooth decay. This phenomenon refers to infants developing cavities due to prolonged exposure to breast milk, fruit juice, and formula. Most often, this is a result of putting the baby to bed with a bottle, which is why pediatric dentists strongly discourage doing so. (If your little one needs to go to bed with a bottle, try filling it with water instead!).
How To: Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Don’t worry – there is some good news: baby bottle tooth decay is largely preventable. The first step, as mentioned above, is not to put your little one to bed with a bottle. Remember, formula, fruit juice, and even breast milk contain sugar. Therefore, it’s a good idea to wipe down their gums with a clean, wet washcloth after each meal. As soon as their first tooth emerges, begin brushing it with an infant-sized toothbrush.
When to Take Your Child to the Dentist
Your child’s first tooth will likely emerge between six and ten months of age. As a result, you should bring them to the dentist around then or by their first birthday. While their first visit will mostly be a time for your child and their pediatric dentist to get acquainted with each other, this appointment is also a great opportunity to ask questions! Finding out all the best tips and tricks for preventing baby bottle tooth decay (or any tooth decay, for that matter) will help you keep your little one’s teeth and gums healthy in the short and long term.
Even before your child has teeth, it’s important to prioritize the care of their oral health. In addition to wiping down their gums and brushing any teeth they do have, make sure to avoid the habit of putting them to bed with a bottle. Their smile will thank you for it!
About the Practice
Our team at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is led by four incredible dentists. While each of them has their own specialty, they all come together at our Pelham office to provide top-tier care to children of all ages. We would love to welcome your infant in for their first checkup and guide you through how to care for their little smile throughout the years! To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 603-635-1166.