Tips to Prevent Baby Bottle Mouth
Your little one's first teeth have come in and their toothy grin looks adorable. Of course, with the appearance of teeth also come responsibility to care for them. It can be especially alarming if your pediatric dentist mentions the word "decay" on your visit. Unfortunately, tooth decay appearing on newly emerged baby teeth is not that rare. The front teeth, in particular, are susceptible to what is sometimes called "baby bottle mouth." The following tips can help you avoid this issue with your child's dental health.
Tip #1: Avoid sugary drinks
Many parents avoid giving their child soda, but juice can be just as bad when it comes to sugar content. Even milk contains some sugar. Combine this with standard baby and toddler drinking habits, which is generally from a bottle or sippy cup, and the front teeth are being bathed in decay-causing sugars. You don't have to cut these beverages out of your child's diet completely, just make sure they brush or at least rinse their mouth out with water after enjoying a sugary beverage.
Tip #2: Wean from the bottle
Bottles and sippy cups are the main cause of baby bottle mouth, since their design pretty much coats the front teeth. Switching to a regular cup can help minimize decay concerns. Opt for a cup with two handles and a weighted bottom, since these are easier to pick up and less likely to tip over. This may mean that sugary drinks are limited to meal times when the child can be better supervised. You can continue to give your child water in a bottle or sippy cup.
Tip #3: Check on fluoride levels
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. Many areas add fluoride to the drinking water, plus it is usually in toothpaste, so your child may already be receiving a sufficient amount. Check with your dentist to make sure. If your dentist feels that more fluoride is in order, there are a few options. Your child may be prescribed fluoride pills or a fluoridated mouthwash. There are also in-office fluoride treatments that can be done.
Tip #4: Stay vigilant
The single best way to prevent baby bottle mouth is to stay on top of hygiene. Help your child brush their teeth at least twice daily, although you may want to brush more often if they have had a sugary drink from a bottle or eaten a sweet, sticky food. Also, make sure to keep up with dentists appointments. On average, appointments are scheduled for every six months but the dentist may recommend more frequent appointments if decay has been spotted. This is so they can treat it promptly and then prevent it from spreading.
For more help, talk to a pediatric dentist near you.
