What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Drinking any liquid other than water can increase the risk of tooth decay. Sugar can be found in dairy and breast milk, juice, formula, and snacks that increase a baby’s risk of developing cavities.
Proper dental hygiene is crucial as it prevents your baby’s teeth from being exposed to sugar for too long.
In addition, mothers or caregivers can give their children this disease if they have tooth decay by sharing spoons or using their own mouths to clean a pacifier.
Cavities in children are highly common in California. In fact, the state has some of the highest rates of pediatric dental disease in the United States. A national survey from 2020 to 2021 found that 14.8% of children ages 1 to 17 had a cavity within the previous 12 months.
Over 50% of children have a cavity by the time they are 8 years old. In addition to caries from sugary substances, poor nutrition and lack of dental hygiene are the leading causes. But there are many things you can do to protect your little one’s smile.
Tips for Preventing Childhood Cavities
Your baby’s oral health routine should begin before they even have teeth. Wiping their gums helps prevent lingering bacteria that could cause future problems. Every child should also be seen by a pediatric dentist by the time they turn 1. While sugar is an essential nutrient, parents have to make sure their children are receiving enough good sugar while avoiding excessive added sugar found in juices and snacks.
Some ways to prevent baby bottle decay and cavities include:
- Following your child’s dentist’s instructions for brushing and cleaning their mouth
- Having your child seen by a dentist twice a year to check for signs of decay
- Avoiding sharing silverware or putting your mouth on things your baby will eat or suck on
- Not putting your child to sleep with a bottle of juice or milk
- Teaching your baby to drink from a cup starting around 6 months old
- Keep pacifiers clean with warm water, and do not put them in your mouth
Contact Us for Pediatric Dental Care in California
Thankfully, there is hope of reversing the damage of baby bottle tooth decay with the right dental care. Enamel can be repaired through fluoride, and treatment can reverse much of the damage done, depending on the severity of the condition and your child’s age.
Contact us at Dental Kidz Club today to schedule a visit and ensure that your child’s teeth are given the care they need from the start. We have eight convenient locations in California: Brea, Chino, Corona, Covina, Ontari, Perris, and Riverside.
