Baby bottle tooth decay refers to tooth decay in infants and young children, often as the result of prolonged exposure to sugar. If your child’s baby teeth are not taken care of, it’s likely that their adult teeth will fail to grow in smoothly and comfortably, leading to many potential oral health care issues down the road. Here are some helpful tips for preventing baby bottle tooth decay:

– Contamination is very likely to occur with anything that is not cleaned. Never share any utensils or pacifiers with your baby until they have been washed and cleaned.
– Around 6 months of age, your baby will have signs of their first tooth erupting above the gum line. At this time the tooth is vulnerable and must be cared for.
– Always use toothpaste that is approved by your dentist or has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. For infants, use a dab of toothpaste roughly the size of a rice grain.
– Baby bottle tooth decay is most commonly caused by sugary drinks left in baby bottles that linger in their mouths when they sleep. Avoid liquids such as sugar water, soft drinks, and juice that can contribute to tooth decay. Also, make sure the baby never falls asleep with a drink in their mouth.
– Avoid flavoring your child’s pacifier with honey or other sugary substances.

To learn more about tooth decay in infants, or to schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician at LOL Dental & Orthodontics, call our pediatric office in Crockett, Texas at 936.463.0162. Dr. Nieku Manshadi and our entire team want to ensure your child’s oral health is shining for years to come.