Baby Bottles Result in Tooth Decay

[DrAnil]

 

Baby Bottles Result in Tooth Decay

One of the top causes of tooth decay is a baby bottle, according to dentists.

Tooth decay remains a major problem for babies. There’s now evidence that shows baby bottles are one of the major reasons decay develops.

About two out of five children beginning kindergarten have at least one decayed tooth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It’s disappointing for dentists because this is an issue that can easily be prevented.

Many parents put children to bed with substances full of sugar, including fruit juices, milk, formula and breast milk. This sugar opens the possibility for the bacteria that develops into tooth decay.

When the baby’s teeth start to emerge, the child is already at risk for tooth decay based on the amount of bacteria present. Giving the child water is a solution to this issue.

It’s also common for the caregiver to unintentionally pass on bacteria to the child. Sharing utensils with your child is a surefire way for the baby to eventually develop tooth decay.

When a baby has untreated tooth decay, a dentist may have to pull the teeth because there are times when the teeth cannot be salvaged. That’s why dental visits for babies are just as important as they are for adults.

        

[drmithila]

 Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries (cavities). It most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected. In some unfortunate cases, infants and toddlers have experienced decay so severe that the teeth cannot be repaired and need to be removed. The good news is that decay is preventable.

Mild Dental Decay	Moderate Dental Decay	Severe Dental Decay

Tooth decay is a disease that begins with cavity-causing bacteria being passed from the mother (or primary caregiver) who has these bacteria in their mouth to the infant. 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.

Another factor for tooth decay is the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to liquids that contain sugar, like sweetened water and fruit juice and potentially milk, breast milk and formula. 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 use these sugars as food. 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. 

Infants and toddlers who do not receive an adequate amount of fluoride may also have an increased risk for tooth decay since fluoride combines with the outer covering of the tooth (enamel) and makes the tooth more resistant to the acid attack.

        

[drmithila]

• Lower the risk of the baby’s infection with decay-causing bacteria. This can be done two ways – by improving the oral health of the mother/caregiver which reduces the number of bacteria in her mouth and by not sharing saliva with the baby through common use of feeding spoons or licking pacifiers and giving them to babies.
• After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth. This will remove plaque and bits of food that can harm erupting teeth. When your child’s teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a child’s size toothbrush and water. (Consult with your child’s dentist or physician if you are considering using fluoride toothpaste before age two.)
• When your child can be counted on to spit and not swallow toothpaste (usually not before age two), begin brushing the teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. The American Dental Association recommends fluoride toothpaste; ask your dentist about your child’s fluoride needs.
• Brush your child’s teeth until he or she is at least six years old.
• Place only formula, milk or breastmilk in bottles. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks.
• Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottles before going to bed.
• If your child uses a pacifier, provide one that is clean — don’t dip it in sugar or honey, or put it in your mouth before giving it to the child.
• Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday and discourage frequent or prolonged use of a training (sippy) cup.
• Encourage healthy eating habits that include a diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Serve nutritious snacks and limit sweets to mealtimes.
• Ensure that your child has adequate exposure to fluoride. Discuss your child’s fluoride needs with your dentist or pediatrician

        

[drmithila]

 Dentists are being forced to do more major work on young children.

That’s because many parents are not paying close enough attention to their children’s dental health. The result is often decay and then tooth extraction for children as young as 2. All because parents are too busy to make sure their children’s teeth are brushed.

Five years ago, the number of preschool children with cavities rose for the first time in about 40 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With modern dentistry, this is something that obviously shouldn’t be happening.

Anesthesia and major treatment are needed to correct these problems, something young children shouldn’t be exposed to. There are many dentists indicating that they are treating more young patients with extreme decay.

It’s a shame in most cases, because tooth decay is something that can easily be treated. A problem many parents face is the lack of knowledge about pediatric dental care and how important it is. This is not something, however, that should be an issue with today’s technology and access to information.

The only way to curb this problem is for parents to become more aware of the necessary dental care for their babies.

        

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