Tooth decay occurring in infants and toddlers is commonly known as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries. It is caused by long-term and frequent exposure to infant’s or toddler’s teeth to liquids that contain sugars. These generally include formula, milk, fruit juices, and other sweetened drinks. Even though their teeth are temporary, but still they are important and susceptible to cavities. Their teeth are also important to perform different activities such as speaking, chewing food, and having a good smile. Moreover, the position and health of their temporary teeth help in determining that their adult teeth come in correctly. That’s why you should visit pediatrics dentists in McKinney and help understand how to take good oral care in infants to protect their teeth from decay.

What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is a transmissible disease that involves contact between cariogenic (and noncariogenic bacteria, fermentable carbohydrates, and constituents in saliva, which together rescind tooth enamel surfaces. It often occurs in the upper front teeth, but this doesn’t mean that other teeth may not be affected.

There are so many factors that can cause tooth decay. One common reason is the frequent, continued exposure to drinks that contain sugar. Tooth decay can take place when you put your baby to bed with a bottle, or when you use a bottle as a pacifier for a fussy baby.

Tooth decay can initiate when cavity-causing bacteria are passed from the mother to the infant. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria can pass to the baby. Several factors contribute to an infant’s susceptibility to tooth decay:

  • Early exposure of bacteria in the primary dentition
  • Frequent bottle feeding at night
  • Frequent sugar consumption and snacking
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Breakdown of the protective layer of teeth, also known as Enamel hypoplasia
  • Inadequate amounts of fluoride

But the best part is that decay is preventable.

How To Treat Or Prevent Damages Caused by Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

  • Don’t let your infant or toddler fall asleep with a bottle that contains a formula, milk, fruit juices, sweetened liquids or a pacifier dipped in honey or sugar.
  • Don’t clean your baby’s feeding spoon or pacified with your saliva.
  • Always clean your baby’s teeth and gums with a washcloth, clean gauze pad, or xylitol wipe.
  • Brush the baby’s teeth using a special child toothbrush with water. Consultation from pediatrics dentists in McKinney is necessary if you are using fluoride paste before age two.
  • Supervise your children while they are brushing so that they can spit without swallowing toothpaste.
  • Encourage your child to start drinking from a cup before he/she turns one.
  • Promote healthy eating and drinking habits in your child.

When your child’s first tooth appears consult your dentist and schedule a dental visit for regular checkups. Get knowledge of different dental milestones in a child’s dental health and make sure you follow them well.