| We always warn you adults of tooth decay. However, | | | | and have a healthy, attractive smile. Baby teeth also |
| even babies are susceptible to tooth decay in their | | | | affect how the adult teeth will develop. They are |
| developing years. The most common form of tooth | | | | placeholders for the adult teeth, creating the space for |
| decay in babies is, “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.” | | | | permanent teeth to develop. Neighboring teeth often |
| Odd name, but the cause and name are identical. | | | | try to fill the gap, resulting in crooked, misaligned tooth |
| Sweetened liquids are left in babies’ mouths for | | | | development. |
| long periods of time, most often nap and bedtime. | | | | The best and simplest practice is prevention. |
| Wholesome sweet liquids such as milk or fruit juice | | | | 1. Never let your baby or young child fall asleep with a |
| unknowingly sit on the teeth. Feeding off these sugars | | | | bottle of sweetened liquid. |
| are acid producing natural bacteria. The acids then | | | | 2. Wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth |
| attack the teeth within 20 minutes after feeding. | | | | after every feeding. As the teeth appear, gently brush |
| Enamel layers on the tooth ward off decay, but once | | | | them making sure they do not swallow any |
| breached, the real trouble begins. | | | | toothpaste. |
| How long liquids sit in the mouth also plays a major role | | | | 3. Start your child flossing early. By age two, most |
| in tooth decay. More sugar and time equal more | | | | teeth appear and are safe for gentle flossing. |
| bacteria, creating more acid, speeding tooth decay. | | | | 4. Start regular dental visits by the first birthday. And |
| “So what? These are just their baby teeth and | | | | as always, if you have emergencies or questions |
| they will be replaced.” Baby teeth are just as | | | | between visits we are here for you. |
| important as adult teeth for the same reasons adult | | | | In preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, you increase |
| teeth are important: ability to chew food, speak clearly, | | | | the chances of a healthy attractive smile as an adult. |