Tooth decay in infants and young children
is called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Why? Often the decay is caused
by giving a baby a bottle of milk, juice, or sweetened liquid and
letting the liquid remain in the child's mouth for a long period of
time, such as naptime or bedtime.
Decay occurs when liquids with any sugar,
such as milk or fruit juice, are given to the baby and left to sit
on the baby's teeth for long periods of time. Bacteria in the mouth
feed off of these sugars and produce acids. These acids proceed to
attack the teeth. For about 20 minutes after a baby has ingested sweetened
liquids, the acids are produced and attacking the teeth. Tooth decay
starts when the tooth enamel breaks down after many acid attacks.
In addition to what the infant drinks,
tooth decay is aggravated by how often and for how long the liquid
stays in the mouth. The more often and longer the sugar stays in the
mouth, the more often and longer the acids are produced and attack
the teeth.
But these are only baby teeth and will
be replaced by adult teeth, why worry? Baby teeth are just as important
as adult teeth for the same reasons adult teeth are important: ability
to chew food well, speak clearly, and have a healthy, attractive smile.
Baby teeth also act as placeholders for the adult teeth. If a baby
tooth is lost too early, the other teeth may drift and invade the
space where the adult tooth needs to come in. Without enough space
to come in properly the adult teeth can become crooked or crowded.
By the time the teeth are visible, the
decay may already have progressed too far. Prevention is important
and easy to do. First, never let you baby or young child fall asleep
with a bottle of milk, juice, or other sweetened liquid. Use a bottle
filled with cool water or a pacifier instead. Next, wipe the baby's
gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeding. When teeth start to appear,
gently brush them making sure the baby does not swallow the toothpaste.
When all of the teeth have erupted, usually by 2, you can even start
flossing. Finally, start your child's regular dental visits by the
first birthday. And of course, if you think there is a problem, call
your dentist immediately.
By preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
you can help your child have a beautiful smile both as a child and
as an adult. And you might even avoid braces.
