How Can I Prevent Tooth Decay Caused by Nursing?
Many children develop feeding habits right before bed. Bottles are often comforting to children, which allows them to fall asleep easier and often faster. However, a pediatric dentist will tell you that this type of behavior can have long-term negative effects on the child’s oral health. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that giving a child a bottle “on-demand” may lead to a higher risk of childhood tooth decay.
Tooth decay can occur as early as soon as the first tooth appears, so start good oral hygiene habits early. Tooth decay is caused by contact with any type of liquid or food (other than water) for long periods of time, frequently throughout the day. This applies to many juices, soft drinks, sugar water, formula, or milk. Your kid’s dentist will likely be able to spot the signs of early tooth decay, but you can take actions now to avoid potential long-term problems.
Avoid Drinks at Night
You should avoid allowing your child to drink anything other than water at night while falling asleep. Even the prolonged exposure to milk can cause tooth decay over time. You can provide your child with a bottle of milk before laying them down, but do not allow them to sleep with additional amounts. You can also use a pacifier instead of a bottle for bedtime and naps if necessary.
Practice Safe Pacifier Habits
Be sure that the pacifier is safe and germ-free before use. Do not use your own saliva to “rinse” the pacifier because harmful bacteria from your own mouth can pass to your child and hurt their teeth and gums. You should also never dip your child’s pacifier in sugary products, including honey or milk.
Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks
You should limit the amount of sweet or sugary items that your child eats, including candy, cookies, or fruit snacks. Avoid giving your child sugary juices. In fact, juices should be only used at meal time or not at all. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends not giving juice to children under six months old, and even children that are between one and six years old should have less than four to six ounces of juice per day.
Your pediatric dentist will have more suggestions about how to prevent tooth decay for your child. Regular checkups can also help to avoid tooth decay. Call today for more information.