Baby
Teeth Pregnancy
Dental / Oral Care
What is Nursing Bottle Decay?
Nursing bottle decay occurs when the enamel is dissolved by the constant "washing"
of acid over the teeth. Acid is formed each time sugar enters the mouth and
mixes with the bacteria normally present there. This acid attack may last
thirty minutes and leads to rapid decay and often to painful dental abscesses.
Cavities can occur in very young children who routinely
fall asleep while nursing on a bottle. The sugar in the nursing bottle (cow’s
milk, juice, formula or sugary drinks) turns to acid, dissolving tooth enamel.
What fluids cause nursing bottle
decay?
Any sweetened drink in a bottle such as soft drinks, orange and apple juice
and the sugar powdered mixed drinks; even plain or concentrated milk break
down in the mouth to form lactic acid in the presence of mouth bacteria.
When does nursing bottle decay occur?
Baby teeth that come in dark or discoloured may be the first sign that a problem
exists. Nursing bottle decay can occur from one to four years of age. A similar
problem can be produced by honey or sugar-dipped soothers used during this
critical age. Daytime "security" bottles also produce dental decay
buth the bottle in bed is most damaging to your child. the night bottle is
often the last one to be given up and may be used well past the normal bottle
stage of 12 to 18 months.
What can I do if my child has nursing bottle decay?
The bottle containing sweetened contents must be removed from the child's
diet, otherwise dental treatment will be in vain. If the child uses a soother
it will not produce decay unless it is dipped in sweet substances.
Have the child's teeth examined by a dentist and repaired. It is not acceptable
to "wait and see". The problem must be treated immediately to prevent
abscesses and possible hospitalization. When the teeth are repaired the dentist
and hygienist will help mother to maintain the teeth in a healthy state.
Breast-fed babies are also susceptible if they constantly fall asleep with
breast milk on their teeth. Early signs include white spots and tooth discoloration.
Damage to primary (baby) teeth can jeopardize the development and proper eruption
of the permanent teeth.
You can protect your child by not letting your baby go to bed with a bottle unless it contains plain water, clean your baby’s mouth regularly and don’t dip pacifiers in honey or other sweet ingredients.
What to do to change this habit if
it has already started?
Using a baby bottle water down (dilute) the formula / milk / juice with
water by 1/4 (25%) for a while, then change to 1/2 water, then 3/4 water..
until the child just goes to sleep with water in the bottle. Give full strength
formula / milk / juice during the day.
Copyright © 2001 T.O.C. All rights reserved. ®
Useful Information
| Atridox
- effective treatment for periodontal disease |
Baby Teeth / Nursing / Pregnancy Oral Care |
| Dental Glossary | Dental Hygiene |
| Dental X-Rays | Fluoridation |
| Managing a Sweet Tooth | Sensitive Teeth |
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