Many parents give small children bottles filled with milk or juice to help them fall asleep at night. Although this is an effective soothing mechanism, it can also cause serious damage to the baby’s two front teeth. When they fall asleep, the contents of the bottle rest on these teeth, and the sugary liquid may eventually cause tooth decay. When moms and dads in Manchester, CT, need effective solutions to prevent this from happening, they visit Dr. Tris John Carta for advice. The kids’ dentist provides young patients with gentle treatments to keep teeth strong and healthy. 

If you’re worried about baby bottle syndrome, he shares three ways to prevent it:

• Be Vigilant: Don’t give sugary beverages a chance to rest on your child’s teeth. Right after you feed them, wipe their gums with a washcloth to remove any food residue. If they use a bottle before bedtime, take the nipple from their mouth as soon as you notice they are asleep and have stopped sucking on it. This way, you can soothe your baby into slumber without damaging their teeth in the process.
• Use Water: Children concentrate on the sucking sensation rather than what’s in the bottle. Instead of milk or juice, fill the container with water. The natural liquid contains the compound fluoride, which fights tooth decay.  
• Start Dental Hygiene Early: Start brushing and flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they erupt. With regular cleaning, you can prevent harmful sugars from collecting on their teeth. You should also schedule an appointment with a kids’ dentist when the first teeth grow in.

When it comes to your child’s health, you should only trust knowledgeable professionals to provide them with care. If you need a kids’ dentist, Dr. Tris John Carta is ready to assist. From routine teeth cleaning to cavity filling, he will do everything necessary to give your little one a healthy, million-watt smile. To schedule an appointment in Manchester, call (860) 646­-2251. Visit his practice online to discover how he will keep your children’s teeth in great shape, and like his Facebook page for updated news and announcements.