Being a parent can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when your child’s teeth are erupting and they’re uncomfortable because of it! Fortunately, pediatric dentists in Hinsdale can help lift a little bit of stress off your shoulders by giving you helpful preventive tips and tricks to stop common concerns like baby bottle tooth decay from arising. Read on to learn more about this dental health issue for infants and young children, as well as steps you can take at home to protect your favorite smile.
What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay, also known as early childhood caries, is a common issue that develops in the upper front teeth due to prolonged contact with sugary drinks, like juices and milk. While this issue can impact all teeth, the front teeth are usually the ones that come into the most contact with the sugar due to the way sippy cups and bottles are designed.
Some risk factors that contribute to the prevalence of baby bottle tooth decay include putting your baby to bed with a bottle, or using a bottle instead of a pacifier to help soothe your baby. Prolonged exposure to sugar can lead to a build-up of decay-causing bacteria within the mouth, which is why the issue is called “baby bottle tooth decay.”
Signs of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
It can be difficult to tell if your baby’s experiencing discomfort like dental sensitivity, especially because they likely can’t verbalize it yet! That’s why it’s a great idea to know what signs to look out for, like:
- Spots on their teeth that turn from brown to black over time.
- White spots that appear on the front teeth.
- Fussing caused by dental sensitivity or discomfort.
When you bring your child to their pediatric dentist for bi-annual checkups, you can rest easy knowing that any signs of this dental issue will be spotted and treated right away!
Tips for Protecting Infants from Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
There are a number of preventive measures you can take at home to help keep decay at bay. Some helpful tips include:
- Avoid sharing saliva with your baby, including sharing utensils.
- After every feeding, clean your child’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth.
- Brush your child’s teeth using a small, pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste between three and six years old and a rice-grain smear of toothpaste if they’re younger than three.
- Avoid giving your child bottles with sugary liquids like juice.
- Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s oral development, know that their pediatric dentist is always a helpful resource for you! With their top concern being your little one’s oral health, they aim to keep the small issues at bay so you can enjoy seeing your favorite smile happy and healthy.
About the Practice
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, our team includes six highly skilled and compassionate pediatric dentists with years of experience and specialized education under their belts. Because they primarily treat young children, they’re well-versed on a variety of ways to prevent baby bottle tooth decay, as well as treat it! They’re also experts at creating a fun, warm, and fear-free environment where children can build good oral hygiene habits and learn more about their smiles! For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Brush Pediatric Dentistry’s website or call 630-504-2223.