Families who visit Greenville Family Dental know how much dentists emphasize to children the importance of preventing cavities. But children are at risk of tooth decay long before they are old enough to clean their own teeth, and we want families to know how they can protect their youngest children from Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is a pattern of tooth decay which affects the front side of toddlers’ incisors (the front teeth). It is believed to be caused by prolonged exposure to sugar in the form of milk or formula from a baby bottle. While dental information commonly and rightly discourages parents from giving children drinks with high sugar content, it is actually the amount of time for which teeth are exposed to sugar which is the biggest risk factor.
Unfortunately, people have a tendency to give toddlers baby bottles filled with milk or formula and let them suck from them for hours. This ensures the child’s teeth will be covered in sugary residue and that they won’t be thirsty enough to ask for water, which could help clean some of the sugar away. Parents can avoid this by limiting children’s time with the bottle, giving them water, and teaching them to drink from cups around the time of their first birthday. Of course, parents should also still avoid giving children drinks with high sugar content, such as juice.
Dr. Christopher Emuedue operates Greenville Family Dentistry at 7215 I-30, Suite B, Greenville, Texas, 75402. To schedule an appointment, call 903-455-6701 or visit GreenvilleFamilyDentistryTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.
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