Preventing Baby bottle tooth decay. - Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

When decay appears in infants and very young children is often referred to as Baby bottle tooth decay or Nursing bottle decay. The common reason, is sweetened liquids( like tea, soft drinks) or those with natural sugars (like milk, formula, and fruit juice) staying in contact with the teeth for a long time allowing bacteria in the baby’s mouth to thrive on this sugar and make acids that attack the teeth. It happens when the children’s pacifiers are sweetened or they are given a sugary drink at nap time or nighttime.

Usually the upper front teeth are typically affected, since the tongue covers and protects the lower teeth. But in severe cases the decay, a bacterial infection, can spread to the lower teeth. Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or totally prevented by :

Not allowing infants to be with the breast or the feeding bottle in their mouth while asleep.
For infants that need a bottle to comfortably fall asleep, allow only a water-filled bottle or a pacifier.
If you notice any signs of decay or anything unusual in your child’s mouth, please bring them to us for an examination.

Baby teeth are temporary, but important, they are necessary for chewing, speaking, and smiling. They also serve as placeholders for the adult teeth. If the tooth decay is left untreated the bacteria will find their way to the jaw bone and developing adult teeth and cause pain and infection.

As recommended by the ADA for babies the first visit to the dentist should be by the first birthday. If you would like to book in an appointment for your child, please call Tooronga Family Dentistry, Phone number 98227006.