3 Steps to Reduce the Effects of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Almost every dentist concur that tooth care is indispensable right from the appearance of the first tooth. Soon after a child gets his first teeth, it is necessary to clean the teeth with a washcloth or a moist gauze pad after feeding. When they are happy with a toothbrush, encourage them to brush twice with an extra soft brush. Do not use large amounts of toothpaste. Just use an amount equal to the size of a pea even if your child loves the paste. If he does not like it, just brush without paste. Floss their teeth every day, attentive especially to the areas with teeth very close. Gentle dentistry enables to add beauty to the child’s smile.

Teeth are generally susceptible to decay soon after they penetrate the gums. It is tough to identify the decay since when it is visible, it will be too late to save it. Hence it is important that you need to prevent baby bottle tooth decay from occurring rather than treating it. It is otherwise known as bottle syndrome and it is even referred by many other names. It is a serious condition which completely destroys the teeth. It occurs when teeth are exposed many a time to liquids rich in any sugar form. These liquids include breast milk (lactose), cow’s milk (lactose), fruit juice (fructose), soda or other sweetened drinks.

The syndrome occurs as a result of the presence of such liquids constantly in the child’s mouth during day time for long periods, especially at night or breastfeeding or naps. The sugar pools around the child’s gums and teeth, thus enabling the growth of bacteria, which in turn produces acid during their sugar consumption. This acid can be harmful to the child’s teeth and gums and leads to decay.

The three main suggestions for reducing this syndrome are

• Just include water in the bottle instead of any liquid containing sugar, during the long periods.

• Adopt a pacifier.

• In case, your local water is lacking fluoride, add fluoride supplements by consulting a doctor.

It can result in painful toothaches such that your child cannot eat. When left untreated for longer times, it can cause infection resulting in tooth removal. Removal of baby teeth can cause permanent damage to adult teeth. Hence use only water for longer periods and immediately clean your child’s teeth soon after every feed.

Water must only be used during bedtime. A rounded bristled soft brush is apt for your infant. Fluoride is an important constituent for prevention purposes. You need to initially check the fluoride content in your drinking water. Fluoride supplements in the form of tablets are available or even in the form of toothpaste or treatment from your dentist.