To prevent tooth decay in babies, caregivers should avoid allowing them to sleep with a bottle. This applies to both bottle-fed and breastfed infants, as baby bottle tooth decay occurs when baby teeth are exposed to milk or juice.
As a parent, you know that nothing is more important than your baby’s well-being. And a crucial aspect of your baby’s health is dental hygiene. Hence, it is important to keep in mind one significant factor - never let your baby fall asleep with a bottle. Why? This simple act can lead to tooth decay even in infants.
Whether your baby is nursed or bottle-fed, they are at risk of baby bottle tooth decay. In fact, dental caries in infants are also known as early childhood cavities, baby bottle decay or nursing caries. The main cause of such decay is liquids containing high amounts of sugar- anything other than water.
If your baby regularly falls asleep with a bottle of sugary liquid, it creates the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow in their mouth. These bacteria attack the tooth enamel and form cavities. And while tooth decay might not seem like a big deal in baby teeth, it can cause infection or dental problems that affect permanent teeth.
The solution? Prevention. You can help protect your baby’s teeth by making sure never to let them drift off with a bottle in their mouth. It may be tempting, especially when you want to soothe your baby to sleep, but it’s a small price to pay for your baby’s dental wellbeing. As a recommendation, you can replace sugary drinks with water, limit the amount of sugary foods in their diet, and start dental visits early on. A healthy smile will set your baby on the path towards a healthy and happy future.
Whether your baby is nursed or bottle-fed, they are at risk of baby bottle tooth decay. In fact, dental caries in infants are also known as early childhood cavities, baby bottle decay or nursing caries. The main cause of such decay is liquids containing high amounts of sugar- anything other than water.
If your baby regularly falls asleep with a bottle of sugary liquid, it creates the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow in their mouth. These bacteria attack the tooth enamel and form cavities. And while tooth decay might not seem like a big deal in baby teeth, it can cause infection or dental problems that affect permanent teeth.
The solution? Prevention. You can help protect your baby’s teeth by making sure never to let them drift off with a bottle in their mouth. It may be tempting, especially when you want to soothe your baby to sleep, but it’s a small price to pay for your baby’s dental wellbeing. As a recommendation, you can replace sugary drinks with water, limit the amount of sugary foods in their diet, and start dental visits early on. A healthy smile will set your baby on the path towards a healthy and happy future.
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