Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay!

Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay!

Family Dentistry with Drs. Ogle, Schmitz, Hart, & Fickas want to prevent tooth decay occurring from baby bottles.  First of all, do not allow a baby to fall asleep with a bottle that has milk, formula, juice, or any sweet drink.  After a bottle, clean and massage the baby’s gums to remove particles and to help with teething discomfort.  This is encouraged to be done after all feedings.  Brushing the teeth should begin when the baby teeth erupt.  The teeth can be cleaned with a small toothbrush and water.  Be sure to check with our dentists prior to using toothpaste before the child is 2 years old.  Also, keep in mind a few tidbits to promote oral health for your young child.  The only liquid that is not harmful to the teeth in a bottle is water.  So wean the other liquids by diluting them with water over a 2-3 week period of time.  The goal is to reduce the sugar intake and promote the water intake.  Also, try to introduce drinking from a cup and wean your child from a bottle by the age of 1 year old.  Do not wean the bottle prior to 1 year  because the sucking motion helps the development of facial muscles and the tongue.  Please contact Family Dentistry at 812-853-3313 if you have any questions regarding your child to promote oral health.