Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Children experience a higher level of cavities and tooth decay than adults do. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn't take care of or worry about your child's baby teeth. Just because they aren't permanent doesn’t mean they aren't important. Children often experience a phenomenon referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Dr. Frederick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, located in Austin, TX, treats pediatric patients. Contact us to learn more.

 

The biggest cause of baby bottle tooth decay is found right in your infant's bottle. The American Dental Association recommends parents only fill bottles with breast milk, formula, or milk. Do not give your child drinks that are high in sugar. This includes juice, soft drinks, and sugar-water. Fluoride naturally occurs in the majority of the water supply in the U.S. For older children, drinking water will naturally help prevent cavities.

 

Refrain from giving your infant a bottle during the night. Moisture can accumulate in their mouths. Avoid giving your infant dirty pacifiers, washing them often.

 

Germs and bacteria are the cause of tooth decay. Baby bottle tooth decay often begins when saliva is transferred between the mother and child. It can happen when sharing food or cleaning their pacifiers. Be cautious and avoid unnecessary mouth-to-mouth contact. Bacteria is detrimental to your child's health.

 

Your child should first visit the dentist after receiving their first baby tooth or by their first birthday. Dr. Frederick Shaw is a family-friendly dentist in the Austin, TX, area. To schedule your child’s appointment at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, visit our website or call 512-451-7491.

 

Fluoride

You may be familiar with fluoride if you received fluoride treatments as a child. Fluoride is known as nature’s cavity fighter because fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that protects tooth enamel. Every day, minerals are added to the teeth and lost, from the enamel layer due to the foods and beverages we consume, and the status of our oral care routine. Dr. Fredrick Shaw is more likely to recommend fluoride to cavity-prone children, but it can be recommended to cavity-prone adults as well.  

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and sugars in the mouth. Fluoride will be a routine part of an oral exam until a pediatric patient no longer requires them. In addition to topical fluoride that is found in the dental office, Fluoride can be found in the water we drink, the foods we eat, and in toothpaste and mouthwash. To discuss fluoride with Dr. Fredrick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, schedule a consultation today.

If you have questions or concerns about preventive dental services or fluoride, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.