The Truth About Baby Bottle Mouth

Babies are simply adorable with no teeth and so cute when those first teeth erupt. Kindergarteners have such memorable smiles when they begin losing their baby teeth. However, is a two year old cute without their front teeth due to baby bottle mouth? Due to baby bottle mouth, young children lose teeth before they should. Baby bottle mouth is preventable, so why are so many babies and young children falling victim each and every year? Unfortunately, dental problems are the most frequent health problem in children.

Baby bottle mouth occurs most often in children two years old and under. Baby bottle mouth occurs when a baby or toddler is allowed to have a bottle taken to bed with them over a period of time. The child falls asleep and the sugars from the drink stay in their mouth and remain in constant contact with their teeth. The sugars then combine with bacteria to decay their teeth. This can occur with cow's milk, breast milk, formula, juice or any other sugar containing drink.

There are many ways that parents and caregivers can prevent baby bottle mouth. Accustom your child to healthy drinks and food early on in life. Avoid giving your child sugar water, fruit juices or other sugary beverages, even before their teeth come in. You should never put your baby to bed with a bottle or cup of milk or juice. An occasional occurence will not hurt their teeth, but your baby will get used to it and it will become a habit that needs to be broken. If your baby or toddler needs something to drink when they go to sleep, provide them with a cup of water. Water will not hurt their teeth and the fluoride will help strenghthen them. When using a bottle, keep it for mealtimes. Your child should not be allowed to crawl or walk around with the bottle. Grazing throughout the day can be just as bad as having the bottle at nighttime. Breastmilk can cause harm as well and nursing babies should not be allowed to fall asleep with the breast in their mouth. Many nursing moms co-sleep with their babies and allow them to suckle throughout the night. This should be avoided to prevent tooth decay.

You should take good care of your baby's teeth from the moment your child is born. Get your child accustomed to you cleaning their teeth. As an infant, a simple washcloth wiped across their gums is sufficient. As your child's teeth come in, you can use a soft bristled toothbrush with non-fluoride toothpaste. Cleaning your child's gums and teeth should be part of a daily routine and just as important as bathtime. As your child gets older, he will enjoy brushing his teeth because he will be accustomed to the routine.