There are any number of things, like food and drink choices, that can have a negative effect on children’s teeth. Unlike permanent, adult teeth, baby teeth are more pitted and porous – making it easier for debris and bacteria to stick and cause damage. One of the most common causes of tooth decay in children is something called bottle rot. Bottle rot contributes to a high rate of acid production on teeth, which causes decay, but it can be easily avoided.
But first,
what is bottle rot exactly? Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when children are given bottles filled with sugary drinks (with added sugar or even naturally-occurring sugar) and then left to nurse those bottles for long periods of time. The sugary liquid then stays on their teeth and causes bacteria to grow and cavities to form.
While bottle rot is scary,
you can prevent dental caries on your children’s teeth by taking the following precautions:
Cut Down on Sugary Drinks – Any drink with added sugar is dangerous for the health of your child’s teeth, but it’s important to also be mindful of drinks that contain natural sugar, like fruit juice and milk. That is not to say that your child should never have these drinks, but
moderation is a huge factor – make sure your child is not given sugary drinks multiple times throughout the day, for long stretches of time. You can always dilute the concentration of sugar in drinks by mixing it with some water.
Ensure They Don’t Take a Bottle to Bed – Leaving sugary liquid on your kids’ teeth helps bacteria and acid do their work. By giving your child a bottle during nap time or bed time, sugar is left on their teeth for hours, forming cavities at a high rate of speed. After a few trips to bed with a bottle, cavities may already have begun to form.
Keep Your Drinks Separate – In general terms, bottle rot is a bacterial infection and bacteria can be passed from one person to another. If you are presenting any signs of gum disease, or other oral health issues, and you share a drink with your child – you are passing on new bacteria that can harm your child’s teeth. Make sure to give your child their own cup/straw when they’re thirsty and looking for a drink.
Help Your Child Brush Their Teeth - If you can coach your child on good brushing and flossing habits, twice a day preferably, they are much less likely to develop dental caries. Thoroughly cleaning teeth removes build-up and debris that causes cavities, preventing instances of bottle rot and bacterial infections.
While bottle rot is a serious oral health problem, there are easy ways for your child to have a cavity-free smile. If you have questions about how to keep your child’s teeth clean,
contact our Tulsa children’s dental office for assistance.