Even though they are temporary, baby teeth are important and susceptible to cavities. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, or Early Childhood Caries. Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a good-looking smile. Their first teeth also help make sure their adult teeth can grow in correctly. It’s important to start infants off with good oral care to help protect their teeth for a lifetime.
What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay most often (but not exclusively) occurs in the upper front teeth.
There are many factors which can cause tooth decay. One common cause is the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to drinks that contain sugar. 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.
Cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from the mother (or primary caregiver) to the infant through saliva. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth, or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria can be passed to the baby.
If your infant or toddler does not receive an adequate amount of fluoride, they may also have an increased risk for tooth decay. The good news is that decay is preventable.
Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Try not to share saliva with the baby through common use of feeding spoons or licking pacifiers. After each feeding, wipe your child’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth.
Until the age of 3, brush baby teeth gently with a child-size toothbrush and a smear (or grain of rice sized amount) of fluoride toothpaste.
From ages 3 to 6, brush the teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Supervise brushing until your child can spit and not swallow toothpaste—usually not before he or she is 6 or 7.
Place only formula, milk or breast milk in bottles. Do not fill the bottle with sugary liquids such as juice or soft drinks.
Infants should finish their bedtime and nap time bottles before going to bed.
Provide your child with a clean pacifier—don’t dip it in sugar or honey.
Encourage your child to drink from a cup by his/her first birthday.
Encourage healthy eating habits.
When your child’s first tooth appears, talk to your dentist about scheduling the first dental visit. Treat the first dental visit as you would a well-baby checkup with the child’s physician. Starting early is the key to a lifetime of good dental health.
Brian Y. Kuo DDS FAGD
(626) 800-8022
🍼 Ask Dr. Kuo about how to treat and prevent baby cavities!