Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: What You Can Do to Prevent It

It is not unusual for parents to give their child a bottle when going down for a nap or in preparation for bedtime. Unfortunately, this common practice often leads to an increased risk for cavities, especially if the bottle’s contents include milk or juice. Baby bottle tooth decay is a well-known problem among infants and even some toddlers, which is why a pediatric dentist is chiming in on the topic to help you better understand what you can do to prevent it from happening to your child.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby bottle tooth decay is a problem that can arise when a sugary liquid remains on the teeth for too long. This most commonly occurs when an infant is given a bottle filled with formula, breastmilk, juice, or other sweet drinks immediately before bed or naptime. As the child falls asleep with a bottle in their mouth, the liquid lingers on their teeth, causing plaque to produce harmful acids that begin to break down tooth enamel, resulting in the rapid development of cavities.

Ways to Treat It

If you have chosen a pediatric dentist for your baby, it is best to maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings to catch any signs of baby bottle tooth decay in its early stages. Should they notice anything that may be a cause for concern (i.e., white spots), they can develop a personalized treatment plan to address the decay and prevent it from spreading and causing more problems over time.

To treat white spots, your child’s pediatric dentist may suggest fluoride treatment and possibly, additional supplements to help strengthen their tooth enamel and reverse early signs of decay.

If the decay is considered severe, it may be necessary to use dental bonding to prevent future reinfection.

What You Can Do to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

The most effective way to prevent baby bottle tooth decay is to only give your child water when preparing to put them down for a nap or bedtime. Water is a non-risk and will help to keep them hydrated. It will also flush out any bacteria or food particles and keep their salivary glands working correctly.

You should also make sure to wipe down your baby’s gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding or snack to remove any plaque build-up. Of course, once they are old enough, it is important that you brush their teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice). This will eliminate bad bacteria and keep tooth decay from developing.

Other helpful tips include:

• Transitioning from a bottle to a cup by their first birthday
• Encouraging healthier snacks and preparing nutritious meals that are free of sugar
• Never dipping your child’s pacifier in honey or sugar
• Try to have your child finish their bottle before naptime

These measures to prevent baby bottle tooth decay will ensure your little one’s smile remains healthy and beautiful as it grows and develops over the years.

About the Author
Dr. Melissa Rozas is a pediatric dentist in Coppell who completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. After finishing her pediatric dental residency at UT/Herman Hospital, she became board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She and her team believe in providing transparent and valuable tips to both parents and children about maintaining good oral health. If you have questions or would like to learn more about what you can do to prevent common dental problems like baby bottle tooth decay, contact us at (972) 393-9779.