If you’ve ever raised a child, you probably understand that keeping your little one healthy is a high priority. However, did you know that you could be doing a few things that aren’t great for your child’s health? For instance, did you know that children are as likely to have tooth decay as adults are? Similarly, had you heard that your child is actually vulnerable to baby bottle tooth decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when you give your little one a bottle full of sugary drinks when they go to bed. As you may have guessed, this issue can be caused by bottles filled with juice or soda, but would you be surprised to learn that milk can cause the same problems? If your children’s teeth are exposed to sugar for too long, bad bacteria will be able to thrive, ultimately leading to tooth decay. Sadly, these drinks can pool in your little one’s mouth overnight, making them more likely to have tooth decay.
An obvious solution to these problems is simply not giving your child a bottle before they go to bed. If your child won’t sleep without a bottle, try giving them one with water in it. This could help them sleep without causing decay. You should also avoid sharing your utensils with your child, since the bacteria that cause decay can spread from mouth to mouth.
To learn more about tooth decay and your child, please don’t hesitate to give Dolnick and Associates a call at 847-299-3365. We’ll be happy to address any of your questions and help keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong. Dr. Ira J. Dolnick and our team are excited to hear from you soon.