Do you think that baby teeth are not important because they are temporary? Think again. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers can often be referred as Nursing bottle caries or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries. Baby teeth are necessary for chewing, speaking, and smiling. Moreover, they maintain space for the adult teeth. Their first teeth lay a strong foundation for adult teeth to come healthy and at a proper place.
REASON:
1. When baby teeth are frequently exposed for a long time to drinks that contain sugar (like milk, formula, and fruit juice). Bacteria in the mouth feed on this sugar and make acids that attack the teeth.When the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby.
2. When pacifiers are frequently dipped in sugar or syrup.
3. When an infant is given a sugary drink at nap time or night-time. It is particularly harmful because the flow of saliva decreases during sleep.
4. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria can be passed to the baby.
Although baby bottle tooth decay typically happens in the upper front teeth, other teeth may also be affected. If teeth are infected or lost too early due to baby bottle tooth decay, your child may develop poor eating habits, speech problems, crooked teeth, and damaged adult teeth.
The good news is that a few simple steps can help stave off baby bottle tooth decay. They include implementing good oral hygiene and habits at an early age.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
1. Try not to share saliva with the baby through common use of feeding spoons or licking pacifiers.
2. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks.
3. Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottles before going to bed.
4. If your child uses a pacifier, provide one that is clean—don’t dip it in sugar or honey.
5. Wipe the baby's gums with a clean gauze pad or washed cloth after each feeding. Clean and massage gums in areas without teeth.
6. Begin brushing your child's teeth without toothpaste, with a child-size soft-bristled toothbrush when his or her first teeth come in.
7. If you prefer toothpaste, do not use fluoride toothpaste until age 3.
8. After age 3, parents should supervise brushing. Teach your child to spit and not swallow toothpaste—usually not before he or she is 6 or 7.
9. Brush the teeth with not more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste from the age of 3 to 6.
10. Encourage your child to drink from a cup by his/her first birthday.
11. Make sure your child is getting enough fluoride, which helps lessen cavities. If your local water supply does not contain fluoride, ask your dentist or doctor if you need to use a supplement.
Schedule regular dental visits after your child's first birthday. Dentists also offer special sealant coatings, which can help prevent tooth decay in children.
Let us all pledge today to give our child strong foundation for their future health and stronger teeth. Wish you happy parenting.