You child’s baby teeth may not be around forever… but this doesn’t mean they aren’t important! Contrary to what many people might assume, baby (primary) teeth need just as much love as adult teeth do in order to ensure the healthy development of a child’s smile.
With that said, one thing that can have a negative impact on your baby’s dental health is baby bottle tooth decay… and it can occur if the right preventive measures are not taken.
Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when a baby’s primary teeth are frequently exposed to sugary drinks. These drinks include fruit juice, soft drinks, colas, and even milk and formula. The sugar in the liquids tend to find their way to the crevices of the teeth, where they sit and do damage. Infants can also experience decay as a result of being breastfed over an extended period of time.
You can take the right steps to prevent tooth decay in your child’s baby teeth. Most importantly, avoid providing your baby with any sugary substances before they go to bed, as sleep time is a prime time for the sugars to create cavity-causing acids.
Secondly, be sure to clean and gently massage your baby’s gums with a dampened cloth after every meal, and gently brush and floss your baby’s teeth as soon as they come in using water or a toothpaste free of fluoride. Cutting back on the amount of sugar you supply your child with and keeping up with regular appointments with the dentist are also crucial to ensure healthy development and maintenance of your child’s primary teeth. For more information and to book, call your Hamilton dentist today!
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