Why Parents Should Be Aware of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

When you have one kid, let alone multiple, life becomes hectic. One common issue many parents tend to overlook in everything is baby bottle tooth decay, a condition that can have lasting effects on a child’s oral health if not addressed early. Fortunately, with the right knowledge from our Saginaw pediatric dentist and at-home habits, it’s completely preventable.

Here’s a little background on baby bottle tooth decay as well as simple procedures you can opt your child in for to strengthen their smile.

Defining Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

In a nutshell, baby bottle tooth decay is a term commonly used to describe oral decay present in infants and toddlers, often in the upper front teeth though others can be affected as well. Cavities during this time are typically put in motion through regular consumption of sugary drinks, sometimes given during bedtime or in place of a pacifier. This can affect a child’s baby teeth and can have lasting consequences.

Most often, tooth decay of this nature can appear as white spots at the gum line. If found, you should take your child into our Saginaw, MI, pediatric dental office for an oral exam. Our dentist will treat them carefully to stop the decay from spreading further. Treatment can include a teeth cleaning, a filling, or a steel dental crown depending on the condition of the tooth.

Is This Something to Be Worried About?

Yes, you should be conscious of and take steps to curb tooth decay. However, the mere possibility shouldn’t keep you up at night or make you fearful of feeding your child sugar.

If you want to prevent cavity development, our dentist recommends going on the offensive with an oral hygiene routine designed to help your child. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, receiving teeth cleanings every 6 months, and limiting sugar intake to a healthier amount will all benefit their smile.

There are a variety of factors that play into tooth decay. If you’re not careful, cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from parent to infant through the shared use of a feeding utensil. A lack of fluoride can also translate to an increased risk of decay. It’s important to remember, however, that tooth decay is preventable.

Steps You Can Take to Counter Decay

Childhood cavitiesdo not have to be a part of your child’s life. There are many ways that you as a parent can keep their teeth clean and free from decay. Young children do not yet understand the importance of good oral health. But you do and you can help them.

Protect your child’s developing smile by:

Gently wiping their gums with a clean washcloth before teeth have erupted
Brushing their teeth 2 times a day for 2 minutes. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste until age 3 then advance to a pea-sized amount until age 6
Not filling bottles with sugar water, juice, or soft drinks
Not giving children bottles at bedtime or allowing them to fall asleep while feeding
Providing clean pacifiers – not ones dipped in sugar or honey
Encouraging your child to drink from cups by age 1 if possible
Feeding them healthy, balanced meals and snacks
Speaking with our pediatric dentist about dental sealants for extra protection

Emphasizing the Importance of Baby Teeth

Just because baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth does not mean they should be neglected. Not caring for your child’s primary teeth can put them at risk for premature tooth loss, cavities, dental fillings, and unwanted infections.

Oral hygiene habits should be formed when your child is still very young. Our pediatric dentist recommends parents use a silicone finger slip brush as teeth start to erupt. After age 1, feel free to swap that out for a toothbrush with a small head.

Learn More → 4 Toothbrushing Tips for Toddlers

We understand that it can be difficult to get babies or toddlers to cooperate when you’re encouraging daily brushing and flossing. It’s best to think out of the box. Incorporate fun into your child’s dental routine with games, music, and weekly rewards. When children associate excitement with oral hygiene, they’re bound to stick to good behavior.

Call to Schedule Your Child’s Cleaning

Despite your days as a parent sometimes feeling like a whirlwind or outright blur, our pediatric dentist in Saginaw, MI, urges you to take some time to prioritize your child’s oral health. They may not personally thank you in the moment, but their teeth and gums will be grateful! Call Great Lakes Bay Pediatric Dentistry today at (989) 792-9201 to request an appointment for a cleaning.