Baby teeth are temporary and they become lose around ages 5-7. Once Baby teeth fall out, the adult teeth will start to come out. It seems that baby teeth are not important because they are not prime teeth, but baby teeth are important and they need as much care as adult teeth. If baby teeth didn’t get as much care, then they are more likely to have baby bottle tooth decay and there is a chance of damaging adult teeth even before they came out. It also can damage your child’s speech and may cause problems with eating.
Why Baby Bottle Tooth Decay may occur?
When child’s teeth are regularly exposed to sugar and sugary liquids, the Baby bottle tooth decay occurs. There is lots of sugar in liquids such as: juice, soda, soft drinks, formula and milk. These kinds of sugar produce acids which eat at the tooth and may lead to decay.
Besides the sugary liquids a baby can get from the bottle, tooth decay can occur in infants which were breast-fed for a long period of time. Also, bottle tooth decay can occur in infants who suck on pacifiers that have been dipped into substances containing sugar.
How Can You Protect your Baby’s teeth?
1. Don’t give your child any sugary liquids especially before bed. At night there is more time for acid to attack the teeth.
2. You can always massage and clean your baby’s teeth after each meal with a soft gauze.
3. Brush your child’s teeth with soft bristle toothbrush and water, or use non-fluoridated toothpaste.
4. Floss your baby teeth as soon as they all come out.
5. Limit the amount of sugar you give you child
6. Make sure to bring your child to the dentist a few times before he/she turns one.
Is your child ready for the first dental visit? AA Dental Centre offers children dentistry and our team make a huge effort to ensure your child is happy coming to see us. By discussing tooth brushing and the basis for a good diet we aim to help your child have a healthy mouth for life.
