When you have a baby, there are many things to consider regarding their care and safety. You may feel overwhelmed with all the decisions, so having a pediatric dentist you can trust regarding your baby’s oral health needs is essential. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we provide expert care and advice for children of all ages; we often field questions about oral hygiene in babies. So, is it important to practice oral hygiene on baby teeth? The answer is yes!
What Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
It is crucial to begin good oral hygiene habits as soon as your baby’s first teeth come through and continue those habits throughout their childhood. Baby bottle tooth decay, sometimes called Early Childhood Caries, is when an infant or toddler has tooth decay. Any teeth can be affected, but the upper teeth in the front are the most common teeth to experience baby bottle tooth decay.
What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay is often caused by giving your baby a bottle containing a sugary drink when they go to bed or are fussy. By doing this, the sugar coats their teeth and remains on them for an extended period, thus leading to tooth decay.
Other causes of baby bottle tooth decay are the transfer of bacteria from a caregiver to a baby through saliva; for example, if you put a utensil or pacifier in your mouth to clean it and then give it to the baby, the bacteria on it can cause tooth decay. A lack of fluoride can also cause tooth decay.
What Can You Do to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
The key to prevention is not giving your baby a bottle when they go to bed and limiting the sugary drinks they consume. You can also begin cleaning your little one's mouth even before their first teeth erupt. Use a warm washcloth to wipe their gums after meals. This removes excess milk or formula from their mouth while also getting them used to the sensation of having something in their mouth so they're prepared for future brushing.
When their first teeth appear, brush them properly with a soft infant toothbrush, and don’t share saliva with them. You can even use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that is safe for them to swallow.
Finally, teach your child healthy eating habits and good oral hygiene techniques early in life; this will help their dental and overall health.
Do You Need a Dentist in Palos Heights, IL?
If you have questions about baby bottle tooth decay or would like to schedule an appointment with our dental team, please contact us at (708) 263-6708. We look forward to helping your little ones with all their dental needs.
