Baby bottles and Tooth Decay
Many parents are unaware of the impact that baby bottles can have on their infant's oral health. Bottles are an essential tool for feeding, but improper use may lead to a condition of tooth decay known as baby bottle tooth decay, infant caries, or night bottle caries.
Understanding Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
This type of tooth decay is a result of a baby's teeth being frequently exposed to sugary liquids for extended periods of time. The most common cause is when infants are put to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice, or other drinks that contain sugar. The sugars in these liquids pool around the baby's teeth during sleep and provide food for bacteria. Those bacteria produce acids that destroy tooth enamel and cause decay.
The front upper teeth are typically the most affected, but other teeth can also be damaged. In severe cases, teeth may become so decayed that they require extraction. This can lead to future dental problems with the permanent teeth.
The Role of Baby Bottles
Baby bottles play a central role in this issue for several reasons.
Prolonged Exposure
When a baby falls asleep with a bottle, the liquid bathes their teeth in sugars throughout the night.
Reduced Saliva
During sleep, saliva production decreases. Saliva helps neutralize acids and washes away food particles. Saliva reduction increases the risk of decay.
Frequent Use
Some parents use bottles as pacifiers. This increases the time that teeth are exposed to sugar.
Inappropriate Contents
Filling bottles with sugary drinks like juice or soda significantly increases the risk of tooth decay.
Consequences of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
The effects can be far-reaching.
Pain and Infection
Decayed teeth can be painful and might lead to infection.
Eating Difficulty
Severe tooth decay can make eating uncomfortable, and even painful. This can negatively affect vital early childhood nutrition.
Speech Problems
The premature loss of front teeth may impact speech development.
Future Dental Issues
Premature loss of baby teeth can affect the alignment of permanent teeth.
Self Esteem
Visible decay may affect a child's confidence as they develop.
Prevention
Here's how parents can prevent the problem of baby bottle tooth decay.
No Sweet Bedtime Bottles
If a bottle is required for the baby to sleep, fill it with water, not milk or juice.
Wean
Transition the baby from the bottle to a cup by their first birthday.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Clean the baby's gums after each feeding, even before teeth emerge. Once teeth appear, brush them gently twice a day. Forming early habits is the foundation of a lifetime of oral health.
Limit Sugary Drinks
Reserve juice for special occasions, and dilute it with water. Avoid soda completely.
Don't Dip Pacifiers in Sugary Substances
Some parents dip pacifiers in honey or sugar water, which can lead to tooth decay.
Schedule Regular Dental Check Ups
We recommend the first dental visit by age one, or when the first tooth erupts.
If you have any questions for us here at Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry regarding baby bottle tooth decay or your child's oral health in general, give us a call at (971) 459-2431. |
