When your child’s baby teeth begin to make their first appearance, the idea of them becoming damaged or decayed is far from your mind. However, this can quickly become a reality when unhealthy dental habits are present. Sadly, many parents are unaware of the fact that putting their little one to bed with milk or juice is troublesome. Keep reading to learn about baby bottle tooth decay in Garland and how you can prevent it.
The Common Causes of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
As the name suggests, baby bottle tooth decay refers to the phenomenon in which cavities can form due to prolonged exposure to milk or juice. After all, breast milk, formula, and “natural” fruit juices all contain sugar, which can quickly erode the surface of your infant’s teeth. It’s important to know that baby bottle tooth decay can also occur when the mother unintentionally passes the harmful bacteria in her mouth onto the baby. Most often, this is a result of sharing spoons and cleaning the pacifier or baby bottle cap with her mouth.
Tips for Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
The good news is that, despite their prevalence, cavities are largely preventable. To help keep your infant’s teeth decay-free, here are a few best practices to implement:
- Don’t share feeding spoons, lick their pacifier, or do anything else that can share your saliva.
- Begin brushing their teeth with a child-sized toothbrush as soon as their first one emerges.
- Don’t put them to bed with a bottle.
- Start good oral hygiene habits, like going to the dentist, at a young age.
- Avoid giving them foods that have added sugar.
When to Bring Your Child in to Meet Their Dentist
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should visit their dentist when their first tooth breaks through the gumline or by their first birthday. Typically, this visit is largely focused on the pediatric dentist getting to know your little one. Before the end of the appointment, they will look at their teeth and gums before providing you with any specific tips for caring for your child’s smile at home.
Your child’s baby teeth play an essential role in their smile, bite, and speech. So, preventing baby bottle tooth decay in Garland is essential. Fortunately, between their visits to their dentist and a solid at-home oral hygiene routine, you can do it!
About the Practice
At The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry, we have dental exam rooms that are kid and parent-friendly with Wi-Fi, toys and games, a coffee bar, TVs, and more. We utilize all-digital and safe dentistry for your peace of mind. Our pediatric dentist and anesthesiologist are each board-certified. When you need a pediatric dentist in Garland, we are ready to help with a wide array of issues and will be happy to talk more about baby bottle tooth decay. Schedule an appointment on our website or call (972) 364-7472.