Teething
and Tooth Care
What
to expect when your baby's teeth make their first appearance -- and
how to care for them.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
What is baby bottle tooth decay, and can it be prevented?
Although
tooth decay is not as common as it used to be, it is still one of
the most common diseases in children. Many children still get cavities.
While fluoridated drinking water and fluoride-containing toothpaste
have helped to improve the oral health of both children and adults,
regular toothbrushing and a well-balanced diet are still very important
to maintaining good oral health.
What is teething?
Primary, or baby, teeth commonly begin to come in or erupt in a baby's
mouth at about 4 to 6 months of age and continue until all 20 have
come in at around age 2-1/2. Teething is a significant -- and often
painful -- event for baby.
The eruption
of primary teeth, or teething, can cause sore and tender gums that
appear red and puffy. To relieve the soreness, give the baby a cold
teething ring or washcloth to chew on. The use of teething medicine
is not recommended.
What causes tooth
decay?
Many of your child's primary teeth will not be replaced by permanent
teeth for 10 to 12 years. Until that time, they need to be kept healthy
to enable her to chew food, speak, and have an attractive smile. Bear
in mind that:
Primary teeth are at risk for decay soon after they erupt.
Tooth decay is
caused by germs (bacteria) and sugars from food or liquids building
up on a tooth. Over time, these bacteria dissolve the enamel, or outer
layer, of the tooth. This damaged area is called a cavity.
Regular brushing
prevents the buildup of bacteria and sugars and the damage they cause.
What is baby
bottle tooth decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay (or nursing bottle mouth) is a leading dental
problem for children under 3 years of age. Baby bottle tooth decay
occurs when a child's teeth are exposed to sugary liquids, such as
formula, fruit juices, and other sweetened liquids for a continuous,
extended period of time.
The practice
of putting a baby to bed with a bottle, which the baby can suck on
for hours, is the major cause of this dental condition. The sugary
liquid flows over the baby's upper front teeth and dissolves the enamel,
causing decay that can lead to infection. The longer the practice
continues, the greater the damage to the baby's teeth and mouth. Treatment
is very expensive.
How can baby
bottle tooth decay be prevented?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has developed the following
guidelines for preventing baby bottle tooth decay:
Don't allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk,
formula, fruit juices, or other sweet liquids. Never let a child walk
with a bottle in her mouth.
Comfort a child
who wants a bottle between regular feedings or during naps with a
bottle filled with cool water.
Always make sure
a child's pacifier is clean, and never dip a pacifier in a sweet liquid.
Introduce children
to a cup as they approach 1 year of age. Children should stop drinking
from a bottle soon after their first birthday.
Look for any
unusual red or swollen areas in a child's mouth or any dark spot on
your child's tooth and consult a dentist immediately once they're
discovered.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
