Local Dental Care - Michigan Dentistry For Children

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.

Fresh Talk For Your Mouth

As a teen, you've got plenty to do -- going to school, homework, participating in after-school activities, spending time with friends, perhaps working a job, and other time commitments. Caring for your appearance also is a top priority, including your teeth. By doing so, you're rewarded with a bright, winning smile that really attracts attention!

Sometimes I Come Home So Tired After Long, Busy Days, I Don't Feel Like Brushing My Teeth. Does it Really Matter?

Yes, it does! If you haven't brushed your teeth since the morning, your mouth is filled with cavity-causing bacteria. When the sugar and starch from the day's food, snacks, or drinks combine with plaque (that sticky film on your teeth), an acid is produced. That acid attacks your tooth enamel. If this is repeated often, those acid attacks can break down enamel and cause cavities while you sleep. So, those few extra minutes it takes to brush your teeth really are important for cavity prevention.

What Can I Do to Make Sure My Breath Is Really Fresh?

Commercial products claim they will make your breath fresher, but the only way to make sure your breath is truly fresh is to practice good oral hygiene. In fact, too many breath mints and hard candies with sugar can lead to tooth decay. If you are constantly using breath mints, breath sprays, or mouth rinses in an effort to cover up bad breath, you may have a problem that needs correction.

If you neglect daily hygiene over time, bad breath can become a symptom of more serious dental problems. Teeth that are not cleaned properly become a place for bacteria to multiply in your mouth, causing cavities and gum disease. Gum disease produces bad breath and that's gross! So brush, floss, and brush or scrape your tongue.

If you smoke, bad breath comes with the habit. Smoking also puts you at an increased risk for developing gum disease. Brushing and flossing your teeth may slow the development of gum disease but smoking can lead to serious oral health problems, including oral cancer.

Can Dieting or Taking Medications Affect My Oral Health?

Hunger can contribute to bad breath. This is because of the chemical changes that occur as your body turns fat and protein into the energy it needs. Chemical changes caused by taking prescription or over-the-counter medications can also affect mouth odor.

Isn't a Mouth guard Just for Those Who Wear Braces?

No! Every year, more than 200,000 people are treated by dentists and oral surgeons for sports-related injuries, including broken and knocked-out teeth, concussions, jaw fractures, and neck and head trauma. Many of these could be avoided if athletes and sports enthusiasts used a mouth guard. Anyone participating in sports, especially contact sports, should wear protective mouth guards for safety.

Different types of mouth guards provide various advantages and degrees of protection -- from off-the-shelf to custom-fitted.

If you let good oral care habits slip away, you might be setting yourself up for some undesirable or painful events. Taking care of your teeth by brushing at least twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, avoiding smoking, and protecting yourself from injury by wearing a mouth guard does make a big difference. It matters to your mouth -- just a few minutes daily for clean teeth, fresh breath, and a magical smile!

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.