How Baby Bottles May Lead To Tooth Decay
When acid-producing bacteria infect a baby’s mouth, tooth decay develops. Surprisingly, baby bottles may play a part in this process. This condition is sometimes called early childhood caries, or bottle mouth.
Baby bottle tooth decay typically affects the front teeth, known as incisors. Too much sugar on the teeth can lead to cavities, also known as caries. Typical sources of sugar are milk, formula, and artificially sweetened drinks and snacks.
As a parent, you play a crucial role in preventing infant caries. Regular brushing and cleaning are vital. As they grow older, you can teach your child self-care techniques by learning how to keep their teeth clean and free of cavities in their early years.
Causes of Tooth Decay From Baby Bottles
Too much sugar causes baby bottle tooth decay when baby teeth are exposed to it frequently. During digestion, bacteria produce acids as a waste product by feeding on sugar. These acids attack the enamel of the teeth, causing tooth decay.
Sugar can coat an infant’s teeth when the child uses a bottle or sippy cup for extended periods, such as while sleeping. Such children are at risk of more rapid tooth decay, as their teeth spend hours coated in sugar from the liquid in the baby bottle. Any tooth can be affected by decay.
Cavities can be distinguished as dark brown or black spots on the tooth surface. They occur most commonly on the upper front teeth, which are known as the upper incisors. Children may experience pain and swelling as the decay worsens.
Possible Complications
Dental caries can be a big problem for babies. After all, teeth are essential for chewing and speaking. In addition, baby teeth act as precursors to the growth of adult teeth. If a tooth is lost prematurely or if decay is not treated, pain and infection are likely to result.
Your baby may also develop poor eating habits if their teeth don’t develop properly. Crowding may occur as the adult teeth grow in.
Prevention Tips
Keeping your child’s teeth clean and being aware of their bottle-feeding habits can prevent tooth decay.
Put your child to sleep without giving them a juice or milk bottle. At about six months old, you can start teaching your child to drink from a cup. Your child should switch to a cup by their first birthday, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
Oral health habits are first developed at home. Our pediatric dentist can help you with other preventive measures as your infant grows. Within six months after your child’s first tooth appears, you should take your child to the dentist for the first time. A child should see a dentist before their first birthday, according to the ADA.
A pediatric dentist can detect caries if your child is experiencing problems with their teeth. It’s also crucial to take your growing child to regular dental visits. If you have any specific concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your child’s dentist.
Don’t wait to bring your child to the dentist, schedule an appointment today and learn how to prevent baby bottle tooth decay in your child.
