When you have newborn babies, one of the last things you probably think about is whether or not they’ll have problems with their dental health. After all, babies don’t have any teeth! But you’d probably be surprised to learn how many babies have what’s called “baby bottle tooth decay.”
Today, we’re going to look at what that is, so you can make sure your kids avoid it.
What is it?
Baby bottle tooth decay is something that a pediatric dentist sees on a regular basis. It happens when babies’ teeth and gums are exposed to a consistent flow of sugary liquids. The sugar then pools up around their gums, creating an area where plaque-causing bacteria can grow.
How do I avoid it?
What Dr. Danielle Funny and Dr. Sonya Maynor recommend is that you make sure to switch out the liquids in your baby’s bottle. Milk formula and juice, while quick and easy, contain quite a lot of sugar. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re cleaning your baby’s mouth. If you’re not sure how to do that, the team here at University Pediatric Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, can help you out. There are a few simple, easy tips and tricks you can implement to help your babies have great dental health.
We know that something like this likely isn’t top-of-mind when considering your baby’s health. But paying attention to their oral health can pay huge rewards in the future. To learn more, call us today at 704-688-1664.