Once baby teeth start coming in, dental care and hygiene become essential. Maintaining a healthy set of teeth allows your baby to chew properly and eventually make room for adult teeth. One of the most common issues pediatric dentists see in patients is baby bottle tooth decay. To help you understand and prevent tooth decay, the guide below explains everything you should know about the problem.

What to Know About Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

What Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the most frequently diagnosed long-term childhood disease. It can be very painful for babies and lead to serious infections. Early symptoms include white spots at the gumline, but this discoloration isn’t always visible to the naked eye. You’ll need a pediatric dentist to examine your child’s teeth carefully to detect and treat tooth decay early on.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

There are many ways that baby bottle tooth decay develops. Cavity-causing bacteria can transfer from parents to their children through saliva, where adults may share cups or put a feeding spoon in their mouth to test baby food. One of the most common causes is prolonged exposure to drinks containing sugar. Bacteria break down sugar in your mouth and produce acid in the process, which dissolves tooth enamel and results in decay. This can happen when parents leave a bottle of milk, juice, or other sweet drinks in the crib with the baby overnight.

How Can I Prevent It?

The first step to avoiding tooth decay is practicing excellent oral hygiene. When your baby’s teeth start coming in, gently brush them twice per day with a baby toothbrush and a spot of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Once they reach three years of age, switch to a pea-size amount.

Avoid giving them sugary beverages like juice or soft drinks—only provide water, milk, breast milk, or formula. Don’t let your child use sippy cups or bottles as pacifiers, and keep their pacifiers clean. Also, never put them to bed with food or beverages other than water.

Finally, make sure to bring your baby to a children’s dentist for regular cleanings and examinations, where you will receive plenty of valuable information about keeping your child’s teeth healthy.

Your baby needs a dentist that specializes in treating younger patients. At Kid Smiles in High Point, NC, your little one will receive comprehensive dental services while learning the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth. These Guilford County-based pediatric dentists focus on prevention, early detection, and personalized treatment to help your child feel comfortable and confident in their smile. Learn more about the benefits of their treatments online. To schedule an appointment, call (336) 885-5437.