Dental and kids: Baby bottle tooth decay

Often, oral health in kids goes for a toss. I think there is a big problem between dental with kids. Do you think so?

The thought that 'these are milk teeth and will fall one day' attitude may result in dental problems in your kids. Children with special needs are the highest risk population for dental diseases due to their health condition, according to dentists.

Dental and oral disorders can have a profound impact on children, and the burden of untreated dental health problems is substantial. Untreated dental decay (cavities) can result in pain, infection, tooth loss, difficulty eating or speaking, and poor appearance, all of which present challenges for maintaining self-esteem and attentiveness to learning. In fact, it also affects their sleep and play.

Baby bottle tooth decay

Baby bottle tooth decay (also called early childhood caries, nursing caries, and nursing bottle syndrome) occurs when a baby's teeth are in frequent contact with sugars from liquid carbohydrates, such as fruit juices, milk, formula, or any other sweet drink. Human breast milk can cause tooth decay, as well. As these liquids break down in the mouth into simple sugars and are allowed to sit in the mouth, bacteria start feeding on the sugars, causing tooth decay.

If left untreated, decayed teeth can cause pain and make it difficult to chew and eat. Also, baby teeth serve as "space savers" for adult teeth. If damaged or destroyed, they can't help guide permanent teeth into their proper position, possibly resulting in crowded or crooked permanent teeth.

This can be prevented by very simple habits. Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle filled with sugary liquids, and clean the child's mouth after every feed. If your child loses a tooth prematurely, your pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer. This article is from zeta dental, thanks for your reading!