Nelson Family Dentistry
"We Cater to Super Cowards"
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Parents of newborns may not realize that as soon as a baby's teeth appear, they are susceptible to decay. By the time tooth decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the child's teeth. It's easy to keep baby's teeth healthy from the start. Here's how:
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Baby bottle tooth decay, also called nursing-bottle or nursing-mouth syndrome, is a condition that can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child. It's caused when the child's teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids for long periods. Among these are milk, including breast milk, formula, fruit juice and other sweetened liquids.
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Teeth are covered by a thin sticky film called plaque. Bacteria in plaque use sugar to produce acid, which attacks tooth enamel. If sugary liquid is allowed to remain in the mouth, acid can attack teeth for several minutes. Tooth decay can occur after frequent, repeated acid attacks.
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It's not just what children drink, but how often and for how long their teeth are exposed to decay-causing acids. For example, if you offer a bottle containing sugary liquid as a pacifier many times a day, you increase the number of acid attacks. In the same way, allowing a child to fall asleep with a bottle during a nap or at night also can harm teeth. While the baby sleeps, the flow of saliva decreases. Harmful sugary liquids collect and remain around the teeth, inviting acid attacks.
You can prevent this by watching what you give the baby between regular feedings. A nursing bottle should not be used as a pacifier or as an aid to help baby sleep, unless it contains plain water.
In general, avoid having your child become accustomed to sugar-containing foods as a reward or as part of the daily diet. You can prevent unnecessary acid attacks. Don't dip pacifiers in a sweet liquid and don't add sugar to baby's food to make it taste better. Children can be taught to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. This will eliminate prolonged bottle-feeding or using a bottle as a pacifier.
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After each feeding, wipe the baby's teeth and gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad. This will remove plaque and prevent acid attacks. Begin brushing as soon as the baby's first tooth appears. Continue cleaning and massaging gums in all other areas that remain toothless.
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Visit the dentist by the child's first birthday. Although this may seem early, the dentist can make sure that you are using the right cleaning techniques. The dentist can also determine if there are any problems with the child's primary teeth.
Children should receive an optimal amount of fluoride, a mineral needed for the development of decay-resistant teeth. Whether or not you live in a community that has fluoridated water, ask your dentist about how your child can get the right amount of fluoride.
By spending a few minutes each day to care for your baby's teeth, you can be certain your child's smile will get off to a healthy start.
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For more information:
Nelson Family Dentistry
4491 W. Northern Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85301 US
Email: 2uthdoc@cox.net
Office: (623) 931-5321
Fax: (623) 939-5108
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