Liquids with natural sugars linked with baby bottle tooth decay 

MARCH 3, 2019 @7.09 PM
Healthcaretoday, Baby, infants, children, bottle, tooth decay, milk, baby's formula, fruit juices, juices, saliva, teeth, gums, crooked teeth, sugar
Giving a child a sugary drink before sleep can be harmful as bacteria starts attacking the teeth.
​Tooth decay in infants and young children is often referred to as baby bottle tooth decay. It happens when infant’s teeth comes in contact with liquids containing natural sugars like milk, formula and fruit juices for a long time such as nap time or night time. 

Children who suck on pacifiers frequently dipped in sugar or syrup are equally at risk.

“When we are sleeping, the mouth becomes dry and the flow of the saliva decreases. Giving a child a sugary drink during this time is harmful because bacteria starts attacking the teeth. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on this sugar and make acids that attack the teeth. This causes caries; which is tooth decay,” said Bala Dental Surgery Dentist, Dr Balasubramaniam R.  

According to him, although baby bottle tooth decay typically happens in the upper front teeth, other teeth may also be affected.

“This may cause a child to develop poor eating habits, speech problems, crooked teeth and damaged adult teeth,” he said.

Bala recommends that parents feed the child during the night, other than leaving them to suck on the bottle to sleep and once the child has finished, dilute the sugar with warm water. He added that there will be less effect to the teeth if this is done.

In addition, he suggests parents to:
  • Implement good oral hygiene at an early age such as wiping the baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after each feeding. 
  • Use a floride-free toothpaste when your child’s first tooth comes in.
  • Clean and massage gums in areas without teeth.
  • Start flossing once the baby teeth have come in.
  • Practice regular dental visits by the child’s first birthday. ​

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