Baby Teeth

Baby bottle tooth decay is a condition that can destroy the teeth of a child or infant. The condition is caused when the child’s teeth are repeatedly exposed to sugary substances for long periods. The most frequently used are sweet liquids, including milk, formula, and fruit juices.

Other determining factors are how often and how long the teeth are exposed to decay causing acids. The more often the bottle is in the child’s mouth, the greater the chance of harm to the teeth. Especially harmful is to let the child fall asleep with sugary liquids in the bottle.

The key is to remember that as a parent you can prevent the unnecessary acid attacks on your child’s teeth. Children should be taught to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday.

Another key to prevention is to clean the baby’s teeth after each feeding. This can be accomplished with a gauze pad, Q-tips, cotton swab or toothbrush.

Dental visits should begin by the child’s first birthday. The dentist can determine if the cleaning technique you are using is working and if there are problems with the child’s teeth as they grow. Fluoride is also beneficial to prevent tooth decay in baby teeth and the child’s developing permanent teeth.

Sealants

Preventing tooth decay is much better than treatment for cavities. Sealants are a major help in preventing cavities on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. When a thin coat of clear plastic is applied to the decay-prone surfaces of the teeth, that surface is protected from bacteria that cause decay. Children most often receive sealants, but adults, too, can benefit from the application of sealant material over put and fissure areas. This is a painless procedure that will pay for itself over and over as decay is prevented. Sealants last several years under the force of normal chewing.

Brushing Hints

If your kids aren’t brushing long enough, try these creative ideas:

• Keep a three minute egg timer handy
• Have them brush for the length of a song on the radio
• Have a tooth brushing chart, with fun rewards, after a set number of times brushed.
• Using a good electric toothbrush, such as a Sonicare, make brushing even more fun.
• Change the toothbrush often, it adds interest
• Choose a good toothpaste with a fun flavor
• Brush your teeth while the child is brushing theirs.
• Brush your child’s teeth for them.