baby bottle tooth decay prevention

Many parents keep milk bottles in their children’s mouth to make them sleep. This often helps the baby settle down quickly and fall off to sleep. The bacteria in the mouth find a substrate around the teeth. Sugar contents present in the milk nourishes the bacteria which multiply and cause tooth decay. When the bottle is given to the child during night the milk remains in the mouth for an extended period of time resulting severe decay.

Symptoms of Baby bottle tooth decay:-

Decay is commonly found in the upper front teeth.
Symptoms may include white spots or brown areas on the teeth.

Causes of Baby bottle tooth decay:-

                This baby bottle tooth decay occurs when the baby’s teeth are exposed frequently and over a long period of time to the sugars present in the milk, fruit juices etc. The more time the sugars sit on the tooth enamel, the more opportunity they have to combine with bacteria in the mouth. This Bactria produces acids that attack tooth enamel.

Home Remedies for Baby bottle tooth decay:-

Do not allow the child to fall asleep with bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or any other sweet liquids.
Never give your child a pacifier dipped in any sugar liquid
Wipe the baby’s gums with a clean wash cloth after every feed
Begin to brush your child’s teeth without tooth paste, when the first tooth come in
Clean and massage the gums in areas without teeth
Fluoride reduces cavity. Make sure that your child is getting  enough fluoride
Regular dental visits are compulsory after getting the first teeth
Sterilize the feeding  bottle with boiled water after every feed
Decrease your child’s sugar intake especially in between meals
Introduce children to a cup as they approach 1st year.