Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby teeth aren’t built to last into adulthood. They are naturally weaker than their adult counterparts, which is what makes them so susceptible to tooth decay. That’s why children are more likely to get cavities than older individuals. It’s important to practice good dental hygiene with your children, including infants. Otherwise, they are at risk for Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Drs. Joseph Dallessandro and Jiah Choi provide dental services for the entire family. Contact our office in Upper New York, NY, to learn more.

 

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay begins as all cavities do, with a surplus of oral bacteria. This is often caused by high sugar intake levels. The cause is right in your child's bottle. The American Dental Association recommends only giving your infant breast milk, formula, or regular milk. Do not fill bottles with sugary drinks like juice, soft drinks, and sugar-water. Older children should drink water. It naturally contains fluoride, a cavity-combating chemical.

 

It’s suggested that you don’t give your child access to a bottle in their crib or bed. This creates moisture in the mouth, leading to Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Giving them clean pacifiers is also important. Don’t dip them in sugary substances like honey.

 

An infant’s parents, especially the mother, are big sources of bacteria. It is often transferred through the mother's saliva. This is done by sharing food or improper pacifier cleaning. Abstain from all unnecessary mouth-to-mouth contact.

 

Schedule your child’s first dental appointment with Drs. Joseph Dallessandro and Jiah Choi. We offer family-friendly services in the Upper New York, NY, area. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 212-988-1089.