Health Leader, Baby Bottles & Tooth Decay

Baby Bottles & Tooth Decay

What is baby bottle tooth decay?

It is caused by the frequent, long-term exposure of a child's teeth to sugary liquids. The sugars in these liquids pool around the infant's teeth and gums, feeding the bacteria that cause plaque. When a child consumes a sugary liquid, acid attacks the teeth and gums, and tooth decay begins.

Tooth decay is also associated with breast-fed infants who have prolonged feeding habits or with children whose pacifiers are frequently dipped in honey, sugar or syrup.

How can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?

Never allow children to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice or other sweetened liquids.
Clean and massage the baby's gums to help establish healthy teeth and to aid in teething.
Wrap a moistened gauze square or washcloth around the finger and gently massage the gums and surrounding tissues once a day.
When brushing a child's teeth, use a soft toothbrush and a pea-shaped amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Take a child to the dentist for the first time when the child is between 12 and 18 months old.

How can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?

Gradually dilute the bottle contents with water over 2-3 weeks.
Once that period is over, if you give a child a bottle, the only safe liquid to put in a bottle to prevent tooth decay is water.
Decrease the consumption of sugar, especially between meals.
Children should be weaned from the bottle as soon as they can drink from a cup.

Why should I be worried about baby bottle tooth decay?

If left untreated, pain and infection can result from tooth decay.
Severely decayed teeth may need to be extracted.
The child may develop poor eating habits, speech problems, crooked teeth, and damaged adult teeth.

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

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Health Tip:

Spring Break:
Avoid the Binge

Whether you’re off to South Beach or South Padre, it’s likely that you or others you are with will have plenty of opportunities to drink alcohol. If you're going to drink during Spring Break, it's very important that you take precautions. Intoxicated students are targeted for both theft and physical assault, so do not underestimate the need to take serious precautions to protect yourself.

Many students binge drink during Spring Break; it has become a big part of the experience for many and it's what gets students into trouble the most.

The safest approach is to not binge drink and to know your limit with alcohol. We each have a point where the lousy effects of alcohol outweigh the fun effects. If you believe you’re going to drink too much, always use the buddy system for your protection.

Here are some tips to help ensure a fun and safe Spring Break:

Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning.
Do not drink and drive, ever. You know better.
Be aware of all local laws and regulations involving alcohol. A night in jail is probably not on your “to do” list.
Intoxication greatly increases a woman's chance of being raped. If you drink, always rely on the buddy system and be very careful. Always keep an eye on your drink.

So remember, Spring Break is a time for great fun and relaxation. Don’t ruin yours by binge drinking and the negative behaviors that goes along with it. Have a good time and be safe. Drink in moderation and watch out for each other.