While baby teeth are temporary, they are still essential and prone to caries. Baby bottle tooth decay, also known as early childhood caries, refers to tooth decay in newborns and toddlers. Children need healthy teeth to chew food, talk clearly, and smile. Their primary teeth also aid in the proper emergence of their adult teeth. To help safeguard their teeth for decades to come, parents and guardians should begin basic dental hygiene early in their children's lives.
The teeth might show signs of decay in the form of black or brown stains. Children's teeth may hurt as the decay progresses. The top front teeth are most often affected by baby bottle tooth decay, although other teeth are equally susceptible. Several different things may cause tooth decay. One typical reason is regularly exposing the baby's teeth to sugary beverages for an extended period. There is a risk of tooth decay if the child constantly needs to be put to bed or soothed with a bottle, for example.
Cavity-causing bacteria may also be transferred from the primary caregiver to the newborn, leading to tooth decay. Bacteria are transmitted from person to person via saliva. Germs may be transferred to the newborn when the adult uses the same spoon or uses their mouth to clean the baby's pacifier. Also, if a child does not get enough fluoride, they are more likely to have cavities. Fortunately, decay is preventable.
Caries in infants may be a major health issue. The risk of pain and infection is higher if a tooth is lost too early or if dental decay is not addressed. If the baby teeth do not come in correctly, the child may struggle with bad feeding habits and speech issues. Crooked teeth or crowding may occur as the adult teeth come in. Extensive or severe tooth decay may lead to other issues, including chronic discomfort, misaligned teeth, trouble biting, or dangerous infections.
The following are ways to prevent dental caries in children.
Avoid using common feeding spoons with the child or cleaning their pacifiers with saliva. It is advisable to use a clean, wet gauze pad or washcloth to wipe the child's gums after each meal. Parents should brush their teeth gently with a child-sized toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste until they reach about three years old.
From three to six, children should brush their teeth with a pea-sized quantity of fluoride toothpaste. Brushing should be supervised until the child can be trusted to spit out the toothpaste and not ingest it, usually after they are about six or seven.
Bottles should only be filled with formula, milk, or breast milk. Avoid using sugar water, juice, or soft drinks to fill the bottle. The child should finish up their bottles before going to sleep. If the child must use a pacifier, it needs to be clean. Children should be encouraged to drink using a cup by their first birthday.
Parents need to ensure that their children do not consume many sugary foods, which include candy and fruit. Children who regularly munch on these items run the risk of tooth cavities. Such foods should be limited to mealtimes only. Children also need to learn how to clean food off their teeth with their tongue.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against giving juice to children under six months old. Parents should give only four ounces of juice per day to infants six to 12 months of age, and even then, it should be diluted with water (half water, half juice). It is recommended that children aged one to six consume no more than 4-6 ounces of juice each day.
Fluoridated water is good for a child's teeth. The child's dentist may request testing a sample of the household's tap water for natural fluoride concentration, especially if it comes from a well or a similar non-fluoridated source. The dentist may recommend fluoride supplements if the tap water does not contain enough fluoride. They may also apply fluoride varnish to the child's teeth to prevent decay.
Talk to your pediatric dentist about arranging the first dental appointment for your child once their first tooth shows. Treat the child's first dental appointment like a well-baby exam with their doctor. By being proactive about your child's oral care, you can prevent baby bottle tooth decay and protect their teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Tooth decay is one of those dental issues that most people will deal with at some point in their lives. Fortunately, dental sealants are a preventative treatment that can help protect teeth from decay. If you are a parent considering protecting your child’s teeth with sealants, you may be wondering about the process. This article…
If your child has recently gotten dental sealants, it is wise to get a toothbrush that cleans the teeth and does not irritate or damage the sealant. The kind of toothbrush that will remove plaque, reach all regions of your child’s mouth and be best for their oral health depends on their particular dental requirements.…
Dental sealants are a preventive treatment that can greatly benefit young children who have just had their permanent molars come through. Sealants can also benefit children with baby teeth, particularly those vulnerable to decay. The following article discusses the numerous benefits of dental sealants for children.Dental sealants for children reduce the risk of dental decay…
While most people are familiar with dental sealants as a preventative treatment for a child's teeth, it is essential to recognize their broader applications. Dental sealants can serve as a remedy for sensitive teeth or even reverse the early stages of a developing cavity. This treatment can also significantly improve the health of a tooth…
Tooth decay is one of those dental issues that most people will deal with at some point in their lives. Fortunately, dental sealants are a preventative treatment that can help protect teeth from decay. If you are a parent considering protecting your child’s teeth with sealants, you may be wondering about the process. This article…
If your child has recently gotten dental sealants, it is wise to get a toothbrush that cleans the teeth and does not irritate or damage the sealant. The kind of toothbrush that will remove plaque, reach all regions of your child’s mouth and be best for their oral health depends on their particular dental requirements.…