How to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

If your baby is bottle-fed, then there may a higher risk that they develop early tooth decay problems. This isn't usually down to a problem with formula milk or bottle feeding itself, but to the way your baby uses a bottle. Often known as baby bottle tooth decay, this problem can lead to problems with your baby's teeth when they come through. For example, they may erupt with signs of decay on them already. These tips should help you make prevent early decay issues.

Take Bottles Away After Feeding

The primary point of a baby bottle is to hold your baby's milk. When they've finished a bottle, there is no reason for them to keep the bottle in their mouth. However, some parents allow their babies to suck on their bottle after a feed and as they fall asleep. This can happen during the day or at night when they have their last bedtime feed. Here, the bottle switches from being a food supply into a being a dummy.

This can pose problems. If the bottle stays in your baby's mouth when they fall asleep, then the last drops of milk may trickle into the mouth. This milk may stick around the gums and teeth if they have started to come through. Your baby may not feel the need to swallow these drips if they are asleep. The sugars in your baby's milk can do some harm if they come into prolonged contact with the gums or teeth. So, it's a better idea to take the bottle out as soon as your baby has finished a feed or if they fall asleep. Try to avoid allowing older babies to fall asleep at night with a bottle.

Use Bottles For Milk Or Formula Only

As your baby gets older, it may be tempting to expand their choice of drinks and to start to put juice or sweet drinks in their bottle. This isn't a good idea. Even diluted fruit juices contain some sugar, whereas squashes and other sweet drinks contain more. If your baby's gums and teeth are exposed to too many sugars that are concentrated into their mouth from a bottle, then you increase the risk that they will develop tooth decay. It's healthier to stick to only giving milk in a bottle, although water is a viable alternative if you want to give your baby a different kind of drink.

To find out more about how to protect your baby's oral health, contact your local dentist services.