To set up your baby for lifelong health, encourage proper oral hygiene. For infants and toddlers, baby bottle tooth decay is the main concern. Characterized by cavities and infections in the gums and teeth, this condition is easy to mitigate and prevent when you understand it. 

What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay? 

As with adults, oral decay in children is often triggered by sugar. When it’s allowed to accumulate on the gums and teeth, it attracts bacteria that create acids that cause infections and cavities. For babies and toddlers, this sugar is usually found in milk and juice, as well as some snacks and infant formulas. 

If your child consumes these products excessively or falls asleep with a bottle, the sugar sits on the teeth and becomes plaque. Saliva production slows down during rest, so it doesn’t wash the particles away, increasing the likelihood of decay.

The condition can lead to swollen gums and/or black or brown spots on the teeth. Decay during early development can lead to crooked permanent teeth or make chewing uncomfortable.

How Can It Be Treated and Prevented? 

Minimize the amount of sugar your child consumes and how often they have it. Avoid coating pacifiers in sugar or honey. When you do let them have sweets, brush or wipe their teeth and/or gums as soon as possible afterward.

If your child wants a bottle when they go to bed, fill it with water rather than milk or juice. 

As your little one grows, teach them oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing twice daily. When most of their teeth have emerged and they’ve learned to spit out toothpaste, use fluoride products to fight cavities. Take your child to the dentist every six months for regular checkups so any plaque can be cleaned.

 
To help your family maintain optimal oral hygiene, go to Riviera Dental Care PC in Foley, AL. Experts in family dentistry, their knowledgeable staff is happy to support your child’s long-term dental health while ensuring that every visit is comfortable and enjoyable. They’re also available for emergency dental services if your little one develops a severe toothache or breaks a tooth. Call (251) 943-3368 to discuss your needs or learn more about oral health on their website.