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Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Should I be concerned about baby bottle tooth decay?
Dentists and health professionals often refer to tooth decay in infants and young children as baby bottle tooth decay. It is a major concern because it can destroy the teeth. The problem is most often found in the upper front teeth, but other teeth can easily be affected.

Baby teeth are very important. They provide the space needed for healthy, adult teeth that must last a lifetime. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the adult teeth which follow may come in misaligned leading to crooked teeth, crowded teeth, chewing problems and an unattractive smile.


How does this happen?
The tooth decay in these children is typically the result of sweet or rich liquids, including milk, formula and fruit juice. Deposits from these remain on the child's teeth for long periods of time. Bacteria found in the mouth thrive on the sugars deposited by these liquids. Bacteria then produce acids that attack the child's teeth. This eventually can lead to tooth decay.

What can I do to prevent bottle tooth decay?
It's important to consider how your child's teeth are accumulating this decay promoting material. It's not wise to allow the child to keep a bottle filled with these liquids over a long period of time. It's especially not a good idea to allow the child to keep the bottle while sleeping since it exposes the teeth to potential decay over an even longer period. It's best to never fill the baby bottle with sugar-sweetened water or drinks and soft drinks are even worse because of the high amounts of sugar.

If necessary, give the child a clean pacifier, which has been approved by your health professional.

What else can I do to protect my child's teeth?
You can begin good oral hygiene early by wiping the child's gums with a clean gauze pad before the first tooth appears. Brushing should begin after the first tooth appears, but continue to gum cleaning while waiting for the remaining teeth. All of the baby teeth should be in place by age 2-1/2. Flossing can begin at this time. Dental visits should begin around the first birthday and any problems should be brought to the dentist's attention as soon as possible.

Most local water supplies contain fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay. If your water does not contain fluoride, ask your dentist how your child can receive it.
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Decay in infants and a child is called baby bottle tooth decay. It can destroy the teeth and most often occurs in the upper front teeth.		  
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