Local Dental Care - Childrens Dentist

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

The Oral Health Hazard of Baby Bottle Syndrome

Baby bottle tooth decay is a condition resulting from frequent and long-term exposure of baby teeth to sugar-containing liquids, from sodas and sweetened drinks to baby formula, milk, fruit juice, and even breast milk. It doesn't matter whether the liquid is artificially sweetened or contains natural sugars. Breast-fed infants with prolonged feeding habits are also at risk in developing this condition. Baby bottle tooth decay may also be called baby bottle syndrome or bottle rot.

Bacteria found in plaque feed off the sugar in these liquids producing an acid byproduct. Acid attacks the gums and teeth, putting children at risk of tooth decay. If left untreated, the potential for pain and infection exists. Long-term effects include crooked teeth, speech problems, poor eating habits, and damaged adult teeth with the potential for tooth loss.

Tips to preventing baby bottle tooth decay or baby bottle syndrome

• Do not put a child to bed with anything other than water. While an infant may suck on a bottle while falling asleep, it is very important to remove bottles containing either artificial or natural sugars before napping or at night. During sleep, the amount of saliva decreases, and sugars from the drink coat the gums and teeth for an extended amount of time, increasing the chance of cavities.
• Daily cleaning and massaging a child's gums help establish healthy teeth, as well as provide special comfort while teething. At least once a day, moisten a gauze square or washcloth and gently rub your baby's gums.
• As baby teeth appear, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and do not use toothpaste until two years of age.
• Wean children from bottles whenever they can drink from a cup. However, pediatric dentists recommend waiting until children are at least 6 to 12 months to provide adequate time for strengthening facial muscles developed by the sucking motion from a bottle or breast.
• Take "baby" steps for achieving good oral health. To help in the weaning of sugar-containing liquids, gradually dilute the bottle's contents with water over a two- to three-week period. If your child still is using a bottle after that time, fill it with water since it's the only liquid which doesn't pose any risk for baby bottle tooth decay or baby bottle syndrome. You could also give your child a clean pacifier recommended by your child's dentist. Be sure to check with your child's physician regarding any changes in feeding routines.
• Between the ages of 6 to 12 months, schedule your child's first visit to the pediatric dentist.

Stop baby bottle tooth decay or baby bottle syndrome before it starts! Follow these prevention tips for optimal oral health.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Your Child's First Trip To The Pediatric Dentist

Healthy baby teeth are important. They are the placeholders for the permanent teeth that follow. Studies show that 50% of two-year olds have one or more decayed baby teeth. So visiting a pediatric dentist can ensure that those baby teeth are getting the attention they deserve.

How can you make that first visit to the pediatric dentist easier for your child?

Keep it low key. Going to the pediatric dentist should be treated as a routine event. Discuss it with your child no more than a day or two ahead of the visit. Your child will have less time to become anxious and hear horror stories from friends.

Stay upbeat. Say a pediatric dentist is a doctor who makes sure our teeth are okay. Don't make promises (such as, it won't hurt) you may not be able to keep.

Use your pediatric dentist's name. Hearing the pediatric dentist's and other staff members' names brings the visit to a more personal level.

Make the appointment early in the day so your child won't have all day to think about the visit. And, usually young children behave better in the morning.

A positive first visit can benefit your child's dental health for many years to come and can actually affect how your child views the pediatric dentist for the rest of his or her life. Do what you can to make the first impression positive.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.