It’s no secret that cavities are a common oral health concern for both adults and children alike. But did you know that infants can develop tooth decay as well? In fact, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reported that more than 20% of children between the ages of two and five have cavities. Yikes! The good news is that with a solid preventive care routine in place, you can help keep your child’s teeth healthy throughout the years. With this in mind, keep reading to learn about what baby bottle tooth decay is and how to prevent it.
What Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
As you might have guessed, baby bottle tooth decay is the phenomenon in which infants develop cavities due to their bottles. More specifically, due to being put to bed with a bottle. After all, both breast milk and formula have sugar! If you don’t wipe down your baby’s gums after their done feeding, the sugar can sit on their teeth, increasing their chances of developing decay in the process.
How To: Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Naturally, the easiest way to prevent baby bottle tooth decay is by not putting your little one to bed with a bottle. If they find it comforting though, this might be easier said than done. In that case, try filling the bottle with water instead of milk. If that doesn’t work, then do your best to use a clean, damp washcloth to wipe down their teeth and gums after they’re done eating.
5 Additional Oral Hygiene Best Practices for Infants
There is a common misconception that baby teeth don’t matter since they eventually fall out. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Not only do your infant’s teeth form their cute smile, but they also help them chew into nutrient-dense foods and develop healthy speaking patterns. Plus, they hold the space for their adult teeth, preventing troublesome misalignment. Therefore, it’s of the utmost importance that you:
- Wipe down their gums with a clean, damp washcloth before their teeth emerge
- Schedule an appointment with their dentist when their first tooth emerges (or by their first birthday)
- Use a child-sized toothbrush to clean their teeth each morning and evening
- Start flossing their teeth the moment two teeth touch
- Limit their intake of added sugar
While baby bottle tooth decay is certainly a cause for concern, it’s important to remember that it is largely preventable. If you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to ask your greatest ally: your child’s dentist!
About the Practice
With a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Myles Clancy, leading the way at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln, our team is here to help children of all ages maintain healthy, happy smiles! From your baby’s first checkup to your teen’s last cleaning before heading off to college, we offer a wide range of treatments at our conveniently located Worcester office. Plus, we offer morning, lunchtime, and after-school hours so visiting our team is always a breeze. If you want to learn more about baby bottle tooth decay or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 290-0090.