Can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?
Yes, there are several practices that will help prevent the type of tooth decay termed “baby bottle tooth decay.” Since this type of decay is usually caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of a child’s teeth to liquids containing sugars, measures can be taken avoid these extended exposures.
Never allow children to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice or other sweetened liquids. Clean and massage the baby’s gums to help establish healthy teeth and to aid in teething. Wrap a moistened gauze square or washcloth around the finger and gently massage the gums and gingival tissues. This should be done once a day. Plaque removal activities should begin upon eruption of the first baby tooth. When brushing a child’s teeth, use a soft toothbrush and a pea-shaped amount of fluoride toothpaste. Parents should first bring their child to the dentist when the child is between six and 12 months old. Will changes in my child’s diet help prevent baby bottle tooth decay? Preventing baby bottle tooth decay involves changes in a child’s diet. A series of small changes over a period of time is usually easier, and eventually leads to better oral health. To incorporate these changes: • Gradually dilute the bottle contents with water over a period of 2-3 weeks. • Once that per
Yes, there are several practices that will help prevent the type of tooth decay termed “baby bottle tooth decay.” Since this type of decay is usually caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of a child’s teeth to liquids containing sugars, measures can be taken avoid these extended exposures. 1. Never allow children to fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth that contains milk, formula, juice or other sugar-based liquids. 2. To help establish healthy teeth and aid in teething, you can clean and massage your baby’s gums. 3. Upon the eruption of the first baby tooth, you should begin plaque removal techniques, brushing your child’s teeth using a soft toothbrush. 4. Your baby’s first visit to the dentist should be between the age of six and 12 months.
Never give your infant a crib bottle. Don’t bottle-feed your baby until he falls asleep. This is the most common cause of bottle dependency and will eventually cause sleep problems because your child will expect a bottle as a transition into sleep, even following normal awakenings during the night. Separate the last bottle-feeding of the evening from bedtime. Even though baby teeth don’t start coming in until 6 months, don’t start a bad habit. In general, don’t allow your infant to ever think that the bottle belongs to him. He won’t voluntarily give it back. Don’t allow your infant to have a tote or companion bottle during the day. Don’t substitute a bottle for a pacifier, security object, toy, or being held. Give a bottle only during mealtimes. Introduce a cup by 6 months of age. Introducing a cup is the best way to prevent bottle dependency. Don’t expect a child to start weaning himself unless he has been exposed to a cup. Also don’t expect weaning to occur in 1 day or 1 week. It tak
Never allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice or other sweetened liquids. Clean and massage the baby’s gums to help establish healthy teeth and to aid in teething. Wrap a moistened gauze square or washcloth around the finger and gently massage the gums and gingival tissues. This should be done after every feeding. Plaque removal activities should begin upon eruption of the first baby tooth. When brushing a child’s teeth, use a soft toothbrush and water. If you are considering using toothpaste before your child’s second birthday, ask your dentist first. Parents should first bring their child to the dentist when the child is between 6 and 12 months old. Will changes in my child’s diet help prevent baby bottle tooth decay? A series of small changes over a period of time is usually easier and eventually leads to better oral health. To incorporate these changes: Gradually dilute the bottle contents with water over a period of two to three weeks. Once that
