Battling Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Posted .

Your child is at risk for baby bottle tooth decay. Your baby’s mouth already contains bacteria. Sugars and carbohydrates interact with that bacteria to create acid which erodes the enamel covering of teeth to create cavities.

Some of the things you can do to keep your child’s mouth healthy include:

-Cleaning your child’s gums by wiping them down with gauze or a clean cloth. When your child’s teeth start to erupt, you should brush them with a small toothbrush and tiny dab of toothpaste.

-When you put your child down for a nap or at night, put water in their bottle instead of fruit juice or formula. If juice or formula pools in your child’s mouth, they can promote tooth decay.

-As soon as possible, wean your baby from the bottle and start teaching them to drink from normal cups.

-Other that water, drinks in bottles or sippy cups should be finished in under an hour.

-your child’s first dental appointment should be within six months of their first tooth and before your first birthday. Your child should see the dentist for regular checkups.

If your baby is showing signs of tooth decay, call our dentist, Dr. Emanuel Amato immediately. If you would like to make an appointment at Chandler Family Dental Care in Chandler, Arizona, call 480-413-1100 today.