Baby teeth are important because children need healthy teeth
to chew food and to speak.
If your child loses baby teeth to decay, spaces are left in
the jaw. The baby teeth may not grow in the right places after
this and then adult teeth could also come in wrong.
What is baby bottle tooth decay?
Tooth decay in infants and children is called baby bottle
tooth decay.
It usually happens to the front upper teeth but can happen to
other teeth, too.
What causes it?
It is caused when sweetened liquids pool around a child's
teeth and sit there for a long period of time.
Sugar in the liquid is changed to acid. If the acid sits in
the mouth for very long, it can cause decay.
It breaks down the teeth and can lead to other dental
problems.
Who can get it?
Any child with teeth can get decay.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Red or swollen areas in a child's mouth could be a sign of
tooth decay.
Also look for dark spots on your child's teeth.
Children often experience some of these symptoms while
teething (growing teeth). Teething is
a necessary step in your child's growth. Decay should be
avoided.
How is it treated?
If your child has symptoms of tooth decay, take him to the
dentist.
Take your child to the doctor or dentist if you have questions
or concerns about his teeth.
Can it be prevented?
Yes. It can be prevented.
Do not put your child down for a nap or to bed with a bottle
of milk, formula, juice, sugar water, or soft drinks. If you must,
use only plain water.
Only give your child a bottle during mealtime. Avoid giving
your child sweet liquid many times a day.
Do not let him walk around with a bottle or use it as a
pacifier.
Do not dip a pacifier in any sweet liquid.
Teach your child to drink from a cup as soon as possible
(usually around 1 year of age). It helps prevent liquid from
pooling around the teeth.
Wipe your child's gums with a clean gauze pad after
feedings.
As soon as your child has a tooth, brush with a soft infant
toothbrush after feedings.
When your child is around 2 years old, you should brush his
teeth once or twice a day. Brushing after breakfast and before bed
is best. Use toothpaste if your child can be taught not to swallow
it.
Start taking your child to the dentist for regular check-ups
before he is 1 year old.
Call the doctor or dentist if your child has red or swollen
gums not caused by teething.
Call the doctor or dentist if your child has dark spots on his
teeth.
Call the doctor or dentist if you have questions or concerns
about your child's teeth.
Quick Answers
Children need healthy baby teeth to chew food, speak, and to
help permanent teeth grow in correctly.
Tooth decay in infants and children is called baby bottle
tooth decay.
It is caused when sweetened liquids pool around a child's
teeth and sit there for a long period of time.
Any child with teeth can get decay.
Red, swollen areas in a child's mouth or dark spots on the
teeth are signs of tooth decay.
If your child has symptoms of tooth decay, take him to the
dentist.
To prevent tooth decay, do not put your child down for a nap
or to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, juice, sugar water, or
soft drinks.
Call the doctor or dentist if you have questions or concerns
about your child's teeth.
References
ADA. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. 2002 January 25 (cited 2002
March 12). URL: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/bottle.html
American Academy of Pediatrics. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.
Medem. 2000 (cited 2002 March 12). URL:
http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZKBW52R7C.shtml&soc=AAP&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH
CDC. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay and Oral Health in the Child
Care Setting. 1997 January (cited 2002 March 12). URL:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/abc/facts02.htm
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