The Cause and Dangers of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay and How to Prevent It

Primary teeth are very important for several reasons. They help your child learn to speak clearly and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth and help guide them into place when they erupt. However, when they get decay, it can lead to the loss of these teeth and cause jaw problems.

You can help protect your child’s primary teeth by teaching them to brush and floss properly and by making sure they see their dentist regularly.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

This is caused by the frequent consumption of sugary liquids, such as breast milk or formula, by babies and toddlers unable to chew correctly.

If you’re worried about your child having baby bottle tooth decay, here are some of the signs and symptoms to look out for:

• A change in the color of your child’s teeth, particularly if they’re turning brown or grey, signifies that decay has caused them to lose some of their enamel.
• Sensitive Gums
• A change in their appetite
• Difficulty chewing food or pain when eating
• Bad breath

Baby bottle decay can cause severe complications, and it is crucial to seek Plano Pediatric Dentistry for proper treatment.

How Does Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Occur?

Baby bottle tooth decay in infants and toddlers is caused by the prolonged use of bottles containing sugary drinks like fruit juice or sweetened milk. The decay can start when a toddler starts teething, usually at about six months but as early as three months. Baby bottle tooth decay can cause pain and infection, affecting a child’s eating and sleeping habits and overall health.

What Are the Dangers of Baby Bottle Decay?

If you don’t care for your child’s baby teeth, they may fall out prematurely. This can cause problems with jaw alignment because the primary teeth usually hold the place for the permanent ones. Furthermore, these teeth can be replaced by adult teeth that aren’t as strong, making it harder to chew their food and could lead to other health problems like tooth decay.

It can also lead to infection, gum and jawbone swelling, or even pulpal necrosis (when the pulp inside the tooth dies).

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Treatment?

The dentist in Plano, TX, will remove the decayed section of the tooth and clean the affected area. After that, he will place a filling to prevent further damage to your baby’s teeth. If you notice that your child has baby bottle tooth decay, it’s essential to act quickly.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Prevention Tips

Regular brushing is essential, but there are other things you can do to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. There are other steps you should take as well:

• Eat a balanced diet -Your child’s diet plays a vital role in oral health. Eating foods containing lots of sugar or carbohydrates (like candy) can cause cavities if they don’t brush after eating them. That’s why it is essential to ensure that your child eats healthy foods like fruits and vegetables instead of sweets when possible.
• Look for signs of cavities or other tooth problems.
• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (unless your child is under two years old). Use a pea-sized amount for children under age three.
• Avoid frequent snacking on hard, sticky sweets like lollipops and caramels; these types of candy can damage the enamel on your child’s teeth. Brush your child’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Avoid using a bottle. Instead, use a sippy cup with the right amount of water and milk. This will help prevent tooth decay.
• Clean your baby’s teeth after each feeding with an infant toothbrush or soft-bristled toothbrush (don’t use hard-bristled ones). If necessary, rinse it out immediately after brushing so that bacteria don’t get trapped inside and on top of your child’s teeth, where they can cause cavities later in life when they’re older than six months old.

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Visit Lutke Dental for more information on preventing tooth decay in children.