What is baby bottle tooth decay? | Mindful Mum

Brushing baby's teeth before bed is crucial because the breast milk or formula milk necessary to nourish your child can also cause severe tooth decay.

Baby bottle tooth decay is one of the growing preventable childhood illnesses effecting British children today.

1. What is baby bottle tooth decay?
2. What are the symptoms of baby bottle tooth decay?
3. How do I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?
4. Top tips for healthy baby teeth
5. Is there fluoride in baby toothpaste?

1. What is baby bottle tooth decay?

Breastmilk or formula milk nourishes not just your baby but the bacteria that lives in your baby’s mouth. If there is prolonged contact with the milk the bacteria that lives in your baby’s mouth turns the sugar into acid which strips the enamel from baby teeth. Bottle feeding with drinks containing sugar can also lead to tooth decay (bottle caries).

Normally the enzymes in your baby’s saliva converts the sugars in milk preventing prolonged exposure to the acid which can damage baby teeth. However, when your baby falls asleep saliva production and swallowing is reduced and milk or juice given before sleep pools next to your baby’s teeth where it slowly etches away at the enamel.

2. What are the symptoms of baby bottle tooth decay?

The affect of giving your baby a bottle at night is gradual. The condition typically occurs between 18 months and 3 years of age. The upper front teeth are most vulnerable to tooth decay and are usually the first teeth to show signs of cavities. The cavities will look like small holes or dark pits, and they may even cause broken teeth. A baby suffering from tooth decay may have difficulty speaking properly or chewing. He or she may suffer from toothaches and nerve pain.

3. What should I do to prevent baby bottle tooth decay?

Giving your baby water before bed time and brushing teeth regularly morning and night with a fluoride toothpaste should protect your baby from baby bottle tooth decay. Mindful Mum provides a 15 point plan for a healthy smile below:

4. Tips for healthy baby teeth

1. Get baby used to brushing by introducing a soft brush or piece of gauze before teeth appear
2. Brush baby’s teeth regularly as soon as baby teeth begin to appear (typically 6 months)
3. Brush baby’s teeth twice a day (morning and night)
4. Feed baby 15 minutes earlier than normal so they are still awake after the bottle (use this time to read a short book and cuddle)
5. Use a baby toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles
6. Use fluoride toothpaste with 1000 parts per million fluoride (ppm)
7. Put a smear of toothpaste onto a dry toothbrush for children under three
8. Encourage spitting but don’t rinse baby’s mouth with water after brushing
9. Replace baby’s toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles start to splay out
10. Rinse the toothbrush after every use and store in a clean dry area
11. Give a bottle of still water before bed if baby requires additional comfort from the bottle before sleep
12. Do not allow baby to carry a bottle of milk between meals as this can also cause baby bottle tooth decay
13. Never add sugar or put sugary drinks into the bottle. Milk or water are the best drinks for teeth
14. Never dip your baby’s dummy into fruit syrups, honey, fruit juices or anything containing sugars, particularly at bedtime
15. Give baby a cup when you begin weaning rather than a bottle during the day

Many babies and toddlers find that gently rubbing with a baby tooth brush can also sooth teething pain.

5. Is there fluoride in baby toothpaste?

Fluoride strengthens your baby’s tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride reduces acid created by the bacteria on your babies teeth. The British Dental Health Association (BDHA) state that children who have fluoride when their teeth are developing tend to have shallower grooves in their teeth so plaque can be more easily removed. Plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.

What if there is already fluoride in the water?

In areas where the water supply is fluoridated, fluoride toothpaste gives extra protection. However, only a few places (Hartlepool in the North East of England , and parts of Essex) have enough natural fluoride to benefit dental health. Elsewhere it is added to only around 10% of the UK population’s water supply – mainly in the West Midlands and the North East. Your water supplier will be able to tell you whether your water supply is fluoridated or ask your dentist when you take your baby for their first visit at around six months.

Sources:

• The BBC Panorama - Spoilt Rotten? The realities of preventable childhood illness
• NHS Programme - ChildSmile to improve dental health of children in Scotland
• British Dental Health Foundation – Is fluoride safe?

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