Even young patients who don’t have permanent teeth yet need to practice oral hygiene. This is because decay in baby teeth can disrupt normal dental development and cause issues including speech problems and crookedness. Baby bottle syndrome is a common cause of cavities in children, so understanding this condition will ensure you know how to prevent it. To help you care for your little one’s health, here’s all you need to know about this issue.

How Does Baby Bottle Syndrome Happen?

Due to their soothing effects, many new parents give their babies bottles before bedtime. Because less saliva is produced during sleep, this prolongs the exposure of formula or breast milk on the gums and teeth that have erupted. Both types of products contain sugar, which increases the risk of dental decay.

Oral bacteria can also be passed from parent to child. Some parents clean pacifiers by putting them in their own mouths, which transfers bacteria to children. Dipping pacifiers in sugar or honey to keep a little one happy is another problematic practice that has a negative impact on oral hygiene in kids. 

How Can It Be Prevented?

First, make sure your child undergoes their first dental exam by age one or whenever the first tooth erupts. You can also make changes to how bottles are provided. Never feed a child a bottle filled with sugary sodas or juices. When feeding, never leave them with a bottle overnight. Steer clear of cleaning pacifiers or bottle nipples by putting them in your mouth, since it contains bacteria. You should also clean your baby’s mouth after every feeding to reduce food accumulation. You can do this by using a warm, clean washcloth on the gums. Once teeth have begun to develop, consult a kids’ dentist about the appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste. 

Since 2002, Pediatric Dentistry of Onalaska in Onalaska, WI, has supported parents when it comes to their child’s oral hygiene. If you’re concerned about cavities, they provide fluoride treatments to boost tooth enamel. They also track oral development from infancy to the toddler years. Their dentist has over 25 years of experience in pediatric dentistry, so rest assured that your baby is in good hands. Learn more about what they do online or call (608) 781-9114 to schedule an oral hygiene appointment.