Now that you are a parent, you may worry about the health of your baby all the time. If you are worried about whether they are getting enough nutrition or sleeping through the night, you have your bases covered. While you are thinking about their health, have you thought about their dental health? You can take time now to help your baby avoid baby bottle tooth decay and start their dental journey on a healthy path.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when babies take a bottle of juice or milk to bed. Toddlers can also get baby bottle tooth decay if they are constantly drinking juice or milk from a sippy cup without brushing their teeth. Children cannot get baby bottle tooth decay until they have some teeth. Usually, baby bottle tooth decay affects the top teeth in their mouth.
How Could I Tell if My Baby Has Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
One of the biggest signs your baby might have baby bottle tooth decay is discolored teeth. Take a close look at their teeth. If you see yellow or off-white streaks or spots on their teeth, it is a sign of baby bottle tooth decay. You might also see white spots along the gumline of their mouth.
Why Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay a Problem?
Many parents think that because tooth decay occurs in baby teeth, it is not a big deal. Baby teeth fall out, and permanent teeth will replace them. However, the dental health of your child does not start when they get permanent teeth. In fact, if your baby has good dental health at the beginning of their lives, they are less likely to have dental issues later. Researchers have found that babies who suffer from severe tooth decay in their baby teeth may have permanent teeth that come in discolored and smaller than normal.
If you are worried that your baby may have baby bottle tooth decay, your first step is to take your baby to our dentist. They can help you map out a plan to practice good dental health for your baby moving forward. Call us today!
About | Dentist Surprise, AZ | Greenway Family Dental Our dentists Dr. Niel and Dr. Ly are not only the owners, but they are also the day-to-day managers and truly care about their team and patients. Learn more here! Greenway Family Dental, 15409 W Greenway Rd, Suite #100, Surprise, AZ 85374 • (623) 546-3511 • greenwayfamilydentalsurprisearizona.com • 12/5/2024 • Related Terms: dentist Surprise AZ •