What is Nursing Bottle Decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay is a dental condition that can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child. Cavities can occur in very young children who have frequent exsposure for long periods of time to liquids containing sugars. The sugar in the nursing bottle (milk, formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks) turns to acids which attack tooth enamel.
Offering your child a bottle containing these liquids many times a day, as a pacifier, isn’t a good idea. Each time your child drinks a liquid containing sugars, acid attacks the childs teeth for at least 20 minutes. Therefore allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night time can do serious harm to the childs teeth.
What about demand Breast Feeding?
Breast fed babies are also susceptible to nursing bottle decay if they constantly fall asleep with breastmilk on their teeth, as this milk also contains sugars.
What does it look like?
The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper front teeth, which are most noticeable on your child’s smile, however other teeth may also be affected. The early signs of nursing bottle decay include tooth discolouration and white spots.
Why are primary (baby) teeth important?
It’s important to take good care of your childs primary teeth. They need strong, healthy teeth to chew food easily, speak clearly and look good for their friends and themselves! The primary (baby) teeth make way for the eruption of the permanent teeth and any damage to the baby teeth could risk the development of the adult teeth.
You can protect your child by not allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle unless it contains plain water. After each feeding, wipe your childs teeth and gums with a damp cloth or guauze and never give your child a pacifier (soother) dipped in honey or other sweet ingredients!
Start dental visits early and if you suspect any dental problems, take your child to see a dentist as soon as possible!
For more information on toothbrush techniques for children. click here.