It would not be unusual for individuals with little previous knowledge of baby bottle mouth to suddenly be asked to help make crucial decisions about the complex dental decisions for children newly in their care. If you are now in that position, the following information will give you and the child in need of dental care a reason to smile.

Learning About Baby Bottle Decay

Baby bottle decay frequently occurs when babies or young children spend extended periods of time drinking fluids with sugar from the bottle. It is common when the bottle is used in the crib or at bedtime in lieu of a pacifier or other comfort items because the sugar stays on and around the teeth without removal. It can then lead to distinct and obvious damage to the baby's teeth, allowing for its other name, Early Childhood Caries.

It has been reported that some ways to prevent the issue include brushing or wiping a child's teeth after using a bottle and limiting the sugar in their diet. Alternatively, it is a good idea to avoid providing a baby bottle containing anything other than water when he or she is sleeping or drowsy. It is also crucial to address the decay as soon as possible after its diagnosis, as discussed below.

Treating The Issue

Decay from baby bottle usage will often manifest early on as white spots on the surface of early teeth, frequently but not always, in front. Fortunately, use of an appropriate fluoride treatment can address the damage if provided soon after being diagnosed. Fluoride supplements may also be helpful at that stage and dietary changes involving reduced dietary sugars and acids may be recommended.

If the problem is not diagnosed or treated quickly, infections may develop on the gums or teeth. Infections will often be characterized by dark spots on the teeth and sore, swollen, or bleeding gums. Fever and bad breath should also be watched for at that time. In that instance, young children will require extensive restorative work, including crowns, extractions, or spacers, to regain the oral health necessary to develop a healthy smile for adult teeth later on. Since poor oral health as young kids limits access to good nutrition and learning effective speech patterns as children mature, baby bottle decay should be diagnosed and fixed at an early age.

In conclusion, baby bottle mouth is a serious problem that can dramatically affect oral and overall health, nutritional status, and the ability to communicate effectively in the future. Therefore, it is imperative for every affected child to receive the appropriate pediatric dental services as soon as possible after diagnosis in order to make the full and prompt treatment they deserve. 

For more information, visit websites like http://www.childrensdent.com.