Do you think that baby teeth are not important because they are temporary? Think again. Tooth dec…

Do you think that baby teeth are not important because they are temporary? Think again. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers can often be referred as Nursing bottle caries or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries. Baby teeth are necessary for chewing, speaking, and smiling. Moreover, they maintain space for the adult teeth. Their first teeth lay a strong foundation for adult teeth to come healthy and at a proper place.

Teeth are frequently exposed for a long time to drinks that contain sugar REASON:

1. When baby teeth are frequently exposed for a long time to drinks that contain sugar (like milk, formula, and fruit juice). Bacteria in the mouth feed on this sugar and make acids that attack the teeth.When the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby.

2. When pacifiers are frequently dipped in sugar or syrup.

3. When an infant is given a sugary drink at nap time or night-time. It is particularly harmful because the flow of saliva decreases during sleep.

4. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria can be passed to the baby.

Although baby bottle tooth decay typically happens in the upper front teeth, other teeth may also be affected. If teeth are infected or lost too early due to baby bottle tooth decay, your child may develop poor eating habits, speech problems, crooked teeth, and damaged adult teeth.