Nursing bottle syndrome. - Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

The mouths of newborn babies are germ free, but as the teeth erupt, they are readily colonised with the decay causing bacteria. Once the baby eats sugars from the diet, the bacteria start creating acids which can cause cavities. The leading dental problem for children under 3 is called “Nursing Bottle Syndrome”. It occurs when a child’s teeth are exposed to sugary liquids, such as fizzy drinks, formula, sweetened tea, milk or fruit juices, for a long time, leading to tooth decay. Putting a baby to bed with a bottle, which he can suck on for hours and fall asleep with makes the sugars available to the bacteria for extended periods of time. If decay occurs and is left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection, early loss of baby teeth, crooked permanent teeth, and increased risk of decay in permanent teeth.

To prevent the nursing bottle syndrome The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends not letting your child walk around with a bottle in his mouth between meals or at have it at bedtime. At the age of 1, you can introduce your child to a cup since a cup doesn’t cause beverages to pool around the teeth, and it cannot be taken to bed. In the meantime, if your child wants a bottle for comfort between regular feedings, during naps, or at bedtime, give him one filled with water. And if you see any white or brown stains on his teeth (signs of cavities) or unusual red or swollen areas in your child’s mouth please contact us as soon as possible.

Fluoride is important for strengthening enamel and preventing tooth decay. Before your baby is old enough to use toothpaste containing it, he should get enough fluoride from drinking tap water. Most municipal water supplies have added it just for this purpose. There are special toothpastes for toddlers with reduced fluoride concentration which can safeguard your child from getting an overdose of it.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Kaufman or to call today Tooronga Family Dentistry, phone number 98227006, for more information about preventing decay or make an appointment to examine your child’s teeth.