Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Prevention for Your Little One

Baby bottle tooth decay gained its name because tooth decay often arises in young children by the substances and length of time they spend with their bottles. Here are some ways to prevent your child being exposed to bacterial tooth decay:

– Do not coat baby bottles or pacifiers with honey or other sugary substances.
– Avoid filling bottles with sports drinks, sugar water, honey-infused liquids, sugary juices, and soft drinks. Your child’s young teeth are more vulnerable to these substances than you are.
– When your child falls asleep, replace their bottle of milk with a clean pacifier. This will decrease the length and amount of exposure of their mouth to the sugars in the milk.
– After you feed your child, wipe their gums with a clean wet washcloth.
– Once your child’s tooth erupts through the gums, it’s time to start brushing. Obtain a baby toothbrush and place a tiny amount of toothpaste on it to brush their teeth and gums. Children will need your help brushing their teeth until they are about five years old.
– Once your child has two or more teeth next to each other, it’s time to start flossing. Children will need your help with this until they have the dexterity to do so on their own.
– Avoid sharing oral tools such as pacifiers, bottles, or toothbrushes. This can increase the risk or bacterial contamination being spread to your child.

Book an oral exam with Dr. Troy Hardy at our pediatric office in Herriman, Utah, by calling us at 801-446-2080. Our team at Copper Cove Pediatric Dentistry looks forward to bringing your child’s smile back to its fullest.