How to Save Your Child’s Smile from Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

As your child grows into their beautiful, strong, and healthy smile, it is best to prevent baby bottle tooth decay, which can be done by doing the following things:

• Don’t send your child to bed with a bottle of juice or sugary liquid. It’s best that they take their naps or go to bed with a bottle full of water. This will reduce the chances of the sugar and bacteria attacking your child’s mouth.

• Give your child milk, water, and formula throughout the day rather than sugary drinks. Juice is OK, but it’s best to only give your child small amounts of juice throughout the day. This will reduce the time your child’s teeth are exposed to sugar.

• Don’t dip your child’s pacifier in honey or sugar.

• Clean your child’s mouth throughout the day. You can do so by wiping your child’s gums with a damp washcloth after they eat a meal or drink their juice. If your child has teeth, you can clean their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

• When your child reaches their first birthday, start to encourage them to drink from a traditional cup or glass.

Baby bottle tooth decay often occurs when your child’s smile is exposed to sugar on a constant basis, which is why we recommend cutting down on your child’s juice consumption. When affected by this condition, your child’s front teeth will likely become damaged. However, many other teeth become affected as well. If your child is currently suffering from baby bottle tooth decay or if you would like to know more about the condition, call our office today and schedule an appointment. We are happy to help you!