CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH
EARLY CHILDHOOD TOOTH DECAY
(BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY)
Decay occurs when sweetened liquids are given and are left clinging to an infant's teeth for long periods. Many sweet liquids cause problems, including milk, formula and fruit juice. Bacteria in the mouth use these sugars as food. They then produce acids that attack the teeth. Each time your child drinks these liquids, acids attack for 20 minutes or longer. After many attacks, the teeth can decay.
How can baby bottle tooth decay be prevented?
Sometimes parents do not realize that a baby's teeth can decay soon after they appear in the mouth. By the time decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the teeth. You can help prevent this from happening to your child by following the tips below:
- After each feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a clean gauze pad. Begin brushing your child's teeth when the first tooth erupts. Clean and massage gums in areas that remain toothless, and begin flossing when all the baby teeth have erupted, usually by age 2 or 2_.
- Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids.
- If your child needs a comforter between regular feedings, at night, or during naps, give the child a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist or physician. Never give your child a pacifier dipped in any sweet liquid.
- Avoid filling your child's bottle with liquids such as sugar water and soft drinks.
- If your local water supply does not contain fluoride (a substance that helps prevent tooth decay), ask your dentist how your child should get it.
- Start dental visits by the child's first birthday. Make visits regularly. If you think your child has dental problems, take the child to the dentist as soon as possible.
Care for Your Infant
- Begin cleaning your baby's mouth during the first few days after birth. Wipe your baby's gums with a clean gauze pad after each feeding to remove plaque and residual food that can harm erupting teeth.
- When your child's teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a child's size toothbrush and water (toothpaste is used for children two and older).
- To prevent tooth decay, infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottle before going to bed.
- If you use a pacifier, use a clean one. Never give a baby a pacifier dipped it in sugar or honey.
- With your child's first birthday, begin regular dental check-ups for "smile" insurance.
Prevent Tooth Decay
- Maintain a balanced diet for your child by selecting foods from the five main food groups-fruits, vegetables, meat, grains and dairy.
- Limit between-meal snacks. If your child needs a snack choose nutritious foods from the main food groups rather than cookies, candy and other sweets.
- Ensure that school food services and vending services offer nutritious selections.
- Encourage children and adolescents to drink water.
Prevent Tooth Decay
- Maintain a balanced diet for your child by selecting foods from the five main food groups-fruits, vegetables, meat, grains and dairy.
- Limit between-meal snacks. If your child needs a snack choose nutritious foods from the main food groups rather than cookies, candy and other sweets.
- Ensure that school food services and vending services offer nutritious selections.
- Encourage children and adolescents to drink water.
Make Dental Visits Enjoyable for Your Child & You
- Schedule the dental appointment for a time when your child feels rested and cooperative. Avoid nap and mealtimes if possible.
- Don't let anyone tell your child scary stories about dental visits.
- Don't let your child know if you feel any anxiety about going to the dentist.
- Don't bribe your child to go to the appointment.
- Never use a dental visit as a punishment or threat.
- Do try to make your child's dental visit an enjoyable outing.
- Set a good example by taking care of your oral hygiene and health.
Fun Activity Sheets for Kids
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