Caring for your child's teeth must begin at the earliest possible opportunity, as soon as teeth begin to erupt from the gums. This is generally when a baby is six months old, but it can happen even earlier. Teeth can be vulnerable to corrosive forces from the very beginning, and even something as seemingly innocent as your baby's bottle can contribute to various dental problems—most notably a condition known as baby bottle tooth decay.

Decay and Deterioration in Baby Teeth

Baby bottle tooth decay is a broad term, but it's widely used to describe cavities, decay, and general deterioration in a baby's teeth. Once that first tooth makes an appearance, it's time to introduce your child to your local pediatric dentistry provider, and regular appointments (as determined by your child's dentist) are the best way to recognize the early signs of trouble before they endanger your baby's brand new teeth. Unsurprisingly, preventing baby bottle tooth decay comes down to how your child uses a bottle and what's actually inside that bottle.

Sugar Content

After consuming a drink with any type of sugar content, you need to clean your teeth. The same should apply to babies. Whether it's juice (diluted or otherwise), formula, or even breast milk, consumption introduces sugars to your baby's teeth and gums. If your baby then falls asleep (whether for a nap or for the night), these sugars can begin the corrosive process that attacks your baby's enamel.

The Corrosive Process

This corrosive process is the same for adults and children alike. Naturally occurring oral bacteria react to compounds found in foods and drinks (primarily sugar and carbohydrates), and this reaction creates acid, which can corrode dental enamel, beginning the process of tooth decay. It's important to limit the amount of sugar your child consumes and ask their pediatric dentist if you need guidance. These harmful residues must be removed to minimize the risk of baby bottle tooth decay.

Cleaning Your Baby's Teeth

You can brush your baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, using an age-appropriate toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste. Ask your child's dentist if you need help with the best technique. Alternatively, you can gently wipe your baby's teeth with a clean washcloth. 

By cleaning your child's teeth regularly, minimizing the amount of sugar in their diet, and attending scheduled appointments with their pediatric dentist, baby bottle tooth decay shouldn't pose a significant risk to your baby's brand new teeth.