Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

A baby bottle may be a useful tool for a parent to keeping your baby calm. However, what’s in the bottle is very important. A child’s teeth are delicate, and keeping them from decaying promotes good health for the mouth as well as the child’s developing organs. Here are a few things to consider.

Baby-Bottle-Tooth-Decay

Sugar is Everywhere

If it’s not water, it probably has sugar in it. Even breast milk has sugar. Frequent exposure to sugary liquids promotes tooth decay, especially fruit juice and other sugary drinks.

What if the Baby Refuses Water?

If your child is accustomed to a sugary beverage, try slowly diluting the drink with water over a few weeks, until the bottle is full of only water.  Note:  Children under 6 months should not be given water.  Speak with your pediatrician before giving your baby water in a bottle.

Going to Sleep:

Never, ever let your child go to sleep with a bottle.  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, sometimes caused by choking, a increase in ear infections due to milk or formula in the eustachian tube,  and early childhood decay are unwanted complications from going to sleep with a bottle.  Though your baby can’t yet brush their teeth, or clean their mouth on their own, it is still very important to maintain a clean mouth. Use a wet cloth to remove plaque and grime from their gums and teeth. It’s good to have a clean mouth before going to bed, to avoid allowing bacteria to build up over night.

When should Baby Visit the Dentist?

Your child should see the dentist for the first time six months after the first tooth appears. Schedule an appointment today!