Bottle Rot Prevention & Treatment

For those who’ve heard the term “bottle rot” as it applies to a baby’s early tooth problems and wondered about its meaning, Dentistry in Streetsville provides the following information regarding the prevention and treatment of bottle rot.

Much like the term sounds, bottle rot essentially refers to baby bottle tooth decay. This form of tooth decay most often occurs in the upper front teeth of infants, though other teeth can also be affected. 

Tooth decay in an infant can be brought about by a number of causes. On one hand, this form of early tooth decay can take place when the infant is put to bed with their bottle, as well as when a fretful child is allowed to use the bottle as a pacifier. Additionally, if a baby has continued contact with sugary drinks, this, too, can lead to tooth decay.

An additional common cause of tooth decay in an infant can occur when the mother unintentionally passes bacteria to the child through her saliva. This can happen when the mother unconsciously places the baby’s feeding spoon in her own mouth, or even when she cleans the baby’s pacifier in her own mouth. Bacteria in the saliva can then be passed to the baby. Since tooth decay basically begins with cavity-causing bacteria, this, then, becomes a further risk associated with the onset of tooth decay in an infant.

Bootle Rot Tooth Decay Can Be Prevented

• Be careful to prevent saliva contact through such things as feeding spoons and pacifiers.

• Use only formula, milk or breast milk in bottles; don’t fill the bottles with juice, sugary water or soft drinks

• Clean your child’s gums after feeding by gently wiping them with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze.

• Do not dip pacifiers in such things as honey, sugar or sweetened juices.

• Learn about the proper means of oral care for your baby, and instill in your child good habits that you practise on an ongoing basis.

When your child’s first tooth appears, bring them in to have our office evaluate the first stages of tooth growth. Developing an early program of dental care can help ensure the proper development of your child’s teeth throughout their lifetime. It’s also during these early checkups that you can learn about the correct means of dental and oral care for your baby now and throughout their developing years.

Those in Mississauga and the surrounding regions can benefit from the extensive dental services available at Dentistry in Streetsville. Our clinic offers the finest and most up-to-date care for every member of the family, including dental care specific to children, newborns and infants. After all, Dr. Cyril Tahtadjian’s youngest patient was 2 days old!