Soothing a tired, fussy baby often requires a lot of trial and error. A solution many parents find helps get their infant to sleep is giving them a bottle of milk, formula, or juice at bedtime. This not only satisfies their hunger, but the suckling reflex in babies helps soothe and calm them, helping them fall asleep. But while this may seem like a brilliant solution, there is one major caveat: baby bottle tooth decay. Here’s everything you need to know about this dangerous condition, and what you can do to prevent it!
What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
When most adults and children are old enough to drink from a cup, they typically swallow the fluid once it enters their mouth. Though drinking beverages with a high sugar content can make teeth more vulnerable to cavities and decay, they typically don’t stay in your mouth very long, and any lingering residue can be washed away when you brush and floss your teeth. Unfortunately, however, babies who are drinking from a bottle as they drift off to slumber sometimes don’t swallow all the fluid in their mouths, nor do they release the nipple immediately after falling asleep, either. This allows the sugar from their beverage to coat their newly emerged teeth without the ability to rinse it away, thereby increasing their risk of tooth decay.
How Can I Protect My Baby Against Cavities?
In addition to regularly brushing your baby’s new teeth as soon as they emerge, it is very important to help them prevent cavities by only giving them water at bedtime. While they should still be following the dietary guidelines provided by their pediatrician during the day, water is the safest option when trying to fall asleep.
Furthermore, avoid giving your baby anything but water, milk, or baby formula until they are older. Sweet beverages like juice and soda are packed with sugar and can be very dangerous to their growing smiles.
Finally, once your baby’s first tooth emerges, you should begin bringing them to a pediatric dentist every six months. This will help ensure that their teeth are growing in properly, that they are not developing any cavities, all the while getting them comfortable with the dentist and caring for their own oral health as they grow.
Other Sleep Solutions
In addition to providing a bottle of water at bedtime, your baby may also benefit from a pacifier, teething ring, or frozen washcloth if they are teething. If they should wake during the evening needing anything other than water, be sure to remove the bottle from their room once they are done with it, and if they are still awake after finishing, clean their gums with a damp cloth before they go to sleep.
Remember, sending baby to sleep with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice can leave behind sugar and food debris that may increase their risk of cavities. Prevent baby bottle tooth decay by only providing water at bedtime, and you’ll help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
About Dr. Sedighi
Dr. Homer Sedighi earned his dental doctorate at the Washington University School of Dental Medicine. In addition to helping pediatric patients right here at his own practice, Dr. Sedighi is also an Associate Professor at Washington University Medical School and a Faculty Member at the Mercy Children’s Hospital. To schedule an appointment for your infant, toddler, or older child, please visit our website or call us today at 636-777-7777.