Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Even Babies Need Dental Protection

It’s easy to forget that infants and toddlers need dental care too. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay can cause problems in any tooth, but the upper middle front teeth are most often affected. To protect your child’s smile, it’s important to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, but there are a few healthy habits to start at home.

infant holds a bottle while looking to the side

To clean your baby’s mouth and teeth, use a soft cloth to wipe over the teeth, gums, and tongue after feedings. Use a soft, small toothbrush and a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste once you child is older. Dr. Patel and the staff at Super Kids Austin specialize in teaching patients how to brush. At your appointment you’ll learn the best way to get your infant or toddler’s mouth clean.

  • Don’t give your baby a bottle to drink in the crib overnight.
  • Do brush or wipe clean your baby’s teeth clean before bed.
  • Don’t put sugary drinks like soda or juice in the bottle.
  • Do encourage your child to drink from a cup by their first birthday.

The ADA recommends using a rice-sized amount of fluoride on children 0-3 years old and a pea-sized amount between the ages of 3 and 6. Most toddlers are ready to learn how to spit when brushing their teeth at around two years old. Don’t allow you child to use too much fluoride toothpaste or swallow large quantities because this can cause damage to teeth as well.

Even though they will eventually fall out, your child’s baby teeth need protection. Children need their teeth to chew their food, speak and have a good-looking smile. Their first teeth also help make sure their adult teeth come in correctly. Decay can also lead to pain and infections. It’s important to start infants off with good oral care to help protect their teeth for decades to come.

Scroll to Top