BABY BOTTLE SYNDROME
WHAT IS IT ?
This is tooth decay believed to be caused by children's teeth being exposed to prolonged contact with sugar. This can be children put to bed with a bottle or a child who has a bottle in their mouth regularly.
The bottle can contain milk, fruit juices or even formula.
The sugar in these drinks sticks and stays on the child's teeth as long as they have the bottle in their mouth. Mixing with the normal bacteria found in the mouth, sugars turn to acid causing tooth decay.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ?
-put baby to bed with a bottle of water
-clean your child's mouth daily(even if baby dosen't have teeth yet. A soft warm cloth can clean babies mouth)
-don't allow baby to fall asleep with sugary bottles in their mouth
-don't let baby have bottle for a prolonged period
-this includes pacifiers with (honey- no matter how natural)
-watch for white spots on your child's teeth, this can be a warning sign
-as soon as possible replace the bottle with a glass or cup.
These steps can also start your child on choosing water instead of sugary drinks. This will be good not only for their oral health but also their general health !
Always speak with your dentist if you have concerns about your child's oral health no matter the child's age!!
Book a dentist appointment when your child's first teeth start coming in!