Sometimes called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, Early Childhood Cavities is a serious disease that can destroy your child's teeth – but it can be prevented.
What Causes Early Childhood Cavities?
- Letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle. When your baby is asleep, the liquids that contain sugar stay around the teeth and can cause decay. Even breast milk and formula contain sugar.
- Prolonged nursing with mother or allowing your baby to fall asleep while nursing.
- Allowing your infant to walk around with a bottle.
Put your child to bed without a bottle ...
Your child can fall asleep without a bottle! Here are five tips to try:
- Let your child take a "security" blanket, teddy bear, doll, or favorite toy to bed.
- Quietly sing or play restful music.
- Hold or rock your child.
- Give your child a back rub to help him or her to relax.
- Read or tell your child a story.
What are the Effects of Early Childhood Cavities?
- Tooth loss
- Ear and speech problems
- Crooked permanent teeth
- Severe pain
- Poor self-image
- Tooth decay
How can I prevent Early Childhood Cavities?
- Get into the habit of putting your baby to bed without a bottle.
- Never put the baby to bed with a bottle filled with formula, milk, juice, sugar water, or soda pop. If your baby must have a bottle to go to sleep, fill it with water.
- Do not let your infant walk around with a bottle.
- Start teaching your infant to use a cup between 6-12 months. Trade your baby's bottle for a training cup by age one.
- Check with your doctor or dentist to make sure your child is getting enough fluoride each day.
Your child's healthy teeth and brilliant smile depend on you!
