Baby bottle tooth decay is the term used to describe dental decay in young children. The term itself is somewhat of a misnomer since the use of a bottle alone does not lead to tooth decay.

Regardless, tooth decay in young children is serious problem that parents should be aware of. Even though a child’s baby teeth will be replaced by permanent ones when he or she is older, they still play a role in the child’s ability to eat solid foods, talk, and smile.

Common Causes of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay:

• Exposure to sugary drinks for long periods of time
• Mother cleans a pacifier by placing it her mouth before giving it to her child (the mother’s germs are passed on to the child)
• Lack of fluoride
• Fruit juice
• Child falls asleep with bottle

It’s not uncommon for parents to dip their child’s pacifier in fruit juice or some other sweet substance before giving it their child. Yes, this will typically encourage the child to take it, which in turn may cause them to go to sleep, but it also increases the risk of baby bottle tooth decay. As the baby sucks on the pacifier, their teeth are exposed to abrasive, cavity-causing sugars. (more…)

Thumb sucking is a very natural thing for a child to do, and for many it develops as a reflex. While it can be a useful method for stress reduction and coping for infants, it can become a problem as the child ages and starts developing teeth.

Since thumbs or fingers come in direct contact with teeth that are coming in, they have a direct impact on the growth and future state of the teeth and jaw. Not only could this result in crooked or unhealthy teeth, but it could also have impacts on a child’s speech and/or bite. That means that until the child is old enough for braces, talking or chewing may be difficult or irregular.

Normally, children tend to stop sucking their thumbs as their teeth begin to come in. In some cases this is due to the child developing other coping mechanisms due to language or mobility. However, many children continue to suck their thumbs or fingers past infancy. Some studies show that even in children as young as two years, thumb sucking can have negative effects on the jaw. (more…)