Baby bottle tooth decay is not simply tooth decay caused from feeding a baby with a bottle; it is the name given to children who experience tooth decay with their baby teeth. Although children’s first set of teeth are not permanent, they are still extremely important and their health plays a big role in the health of their incoming adult teeth. Children’s oral care should be a big part of your daily routine as parents. Here are some tips to preventing baby bottle tooth decay for your little ones!
Do Not Put Sugary Drinks in a Bottle
The shape of a bottle allows the child to suck and retrieve the liquid easily and directly onto their top teeth. This can be very problematic if overexposure to sugary liquids is happening and the teeth are not properly cleaned straight away. Since most parents have about ten tasks on the go at any given time, washing their child’s gums after every drink is not always going to happen. Limit bottle exposure as much as possible as the child gets older and has all of their baby teeth.
Be Careful With Bedtime Bottles
Once a child has teeth, it’s important to be cognizant of the fact that these teeth need cleaning. You wouldn’t have a glass of milk before going to bed and not brush your teeth as an adult, so why should you expect your children to do the same thing? Make sure a toothbrush (or water) is the very last thing to be in their mouth before tucking them in for the night.
Be Aware of Your Own Bacteria
You may not think that your own saliva is harming your child, but it very well could be. Resist the urge to clean your child’s pacifier with your mouth or wipe it on your shirt. There are so many germs and bacteria in your mouth that passing it onto your child is the last thing their fragile little teeth need.
Brush Teeth as Soon as they are Visible
Brushing your children’s teeth daily is an important habit to get into. Keeping their mouths free from bacteria and regular food build up is the best way to ensure they maintain good oral hygiene. Talk to your pediatric dentist to see what toothpaste is best for your child. Be sure to continue to help your child brush their teeth until they are about seven years old. If you allow your toddler to brush their own teeth without your intervention they may not do as thorough of a job that is necessary for a healthy set of teeth!
Encourage Healthy Eating Habits
As with adults, a child’s sugar intake should be limited for health and oral hygiene reasons. The less sugar you put into your kids’ mouth, the less damage control needs to be done down the line. Be very aware of the candy your kids eat and be sure to brush their teeth as frequently as you can.
Consult with your pediatric dentist at The Teal Umbrella for more dental care tips for infants, toddlers, and young children.
