Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

     As the second installment in our special posts related to National Childrens Dental Health Month, we'll be taking a look at "baby bottle tooth decay." Many parents are confused by this term. Afterall, most children are fed by a bottle at some point in their infancy. How can your method of caring for your precious little one be causing big problems?
     Your child’s baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they first appear-which is typically around age six months. This is when the American Dental Association recommends your child has her first visit to the dentist. Decay most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected. In some cases, infants and toddlers have experienced decay so severe that the teeth cannot be repaired and need to be removed. 

This example shows early decay of baby teeth. Notice the discoloration.

     Tooth decay can occur when the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby. The sugary liquids pool around the teeth while the child sleeps. Bacteria in the mouth eat the sugars like food and grow. They then produce acids that attack the teeth. Each time your child drinks these liquids, acids attack for 20 minutes or longer. After multiple attacks, the teeth can decay. Pacifiers dipped in sugar or honey can also lead to tooth decay since the sugar or honey can provide food for the bacteria’s acid attacks. 
     Most people are unaware that parents and caregivers play an unwitting role in passing decay causing bacteria to babies. These bacteria are passed through the saliva. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth, or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria are passed to the baby. Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a good-looking smile. Baby teeth also keep a space in the jaw for the adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the teeth beside it may drift into the empty space. When it's time for the adult teeth to come in, there may not be enough room. This can make the teeth crooked or crowded. Starting infants off with good oral care can help protect their teeth for decades to come.
    If you have questions about your child's oral health, don't be afraid to ask. You can schedule appointments for your children online on our website, or call 757-486-4880.


Source: American Dental Association