‘Baby bottle’ tooth decay has been linked to the long exposure of a child’s teeth to milk or other sugary liquids. This condition seems to affect children who use a baby bottle for many hours during the day. Sugary liquids stay in the mouth for a prolonged period of time, causing plaque and attacking the tooth enamel and the gums. Baby teeth are not permanent, but they need to stay strong and healthy in order allow the development of perfectly healthy adult teeth. Children with cavities and missing teeth are more likely to develop teeth alignment problems and other dental issues while growing up. Luckily, the consequences of ‘baby bottle’ tooth decay can be avoided with careful prevention.

At Garden View Dental Care, we firmly believe that the earlier your child visits the dentist in Buckinghamshire, the less likely they are to develop dental problems. To kick-start a good oral hygiene, visiting us will help any infants or small children who are struggling with ‘baby bottle’ tooth decay or cannot simply get rid of their baby bottle. Our dentist in Buckinghamshire will ensure that your child’s bite stays intact and that their teeth remain as clean and healthy as possible.

Is it easy to prevent tooth decay in babies?

Babies and young children rely on their parents for food and oral hygiene, therefore there are a few simple things that can be done even before a baby is born. Seeing your dentist in Buckinghamshire through your pregnancy is really important in order to avoid pregnancy-related oral health problems that can impact your unborn child.

Once the baby has arrived, it’s up to you to decide whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed. Both options can cause ‘baby bottle’ tooth decay, therefore it is really important to take some good measures in order to keep the baby’s teeth and gum clean. For babies up to 12 months old, you can clean their teeth and gums after every meal with a soft cloth and start using a baby toothbrush once their first teeth appear.

Moreover, children should avoid going to bed with a bottle or a pacifier and should learn to drink from a regular cup as early on as possible.