Many parents give their newborns a bottle at night to help relax and lull them to sleep. According to the dentists at Helmbrecht Dental in Fairbanks, AK, the nightly practice can cause cavities and the need for constant fillings down the line. Below, the local dentists shed further insight on the negative impact of baby bottle tooth decay and what parents can do to prevent it. 

How Do Babies Get Bottle Tooth Decay?

When babies drink milk, juice, soda, or formula from a bottle, the sugars accumulate around the child’s gums and teeth. The sugar causes plaque to form, eventually causing tooth decay over time. When left untreated, the child can experience discomfort when eating and talking, gum irritation, and frequent cavities. Although drinking from a bottle is commonly attributed to baby tooth decay, long-term nursing can also cause cavities. Although the front two teeth are most exposed to sugars, tooth decay can impact other teeth, too. 

What Measures Can Parents Take to Prevent It?

To prevent baby tooth decay, wash the infant’s gums with a clean washcloth after the bottle. This will wipe away any sugar residue before bacteria forms. Once teeth start to form, use a toothbrush with fluoride-free toothpaste to clean the baby’s teeth. Although the child will eventually be able to brush their teeth themselves, it’s important that parents monitor their dental hygiene habits until early adolescence, or around seven years old. At this point, the youngster should have developed good flossing and brushing skills.

If you’re looking for a dentist in the Fairbanks area to care for your child’s oral health in a comfortable, relaxed setting, allow Helmbrecht Dental to assist. Beyond providing dental examinations and treatments for little ones, they also offer general and restorative dentistry services for everyone in the family. To schedule a dentist appointment, call (907) 456-1237 to speak with a representative. Visit the practice online for a comprehensive look at how they will improve your dental health, and like them on Facebook for announcements.