When your baby starts popping teeth out, they look so stinking cute. Here is a compilation of early childhood dental issues to be aware of.
Is tooth decay and a baby bottle related?
Tooth decay can come as a result of a baby bottle. It isn’t the bottle, but the contents in the bottle. When your baby’s teeth are often exposed to sugars. Milk, juice and formula all include sugars that love the surface of those new baby teeth that just came through. You may wonder what exactly it is that the sugar does. Sugar, in your baby’s mouth acts as fuel to the bacteria, causing tooth decay. Thinking that tooth decay on a baby tooth isn’t that big of a deal, but it can lead to more problems with their teeth later on in their life. We suggest that if your baby needs a bottle to go to sleep, that you only put in a small amount of water.
Is it bad for my baby’s teeth if they suck their thumb?
We’ve all seen those adorable babies that suck their thumb, or perhaps you have one. It is totally normal and acceptable for young babies to suck on their fingers or their thumb. For the health of your baby’s teeth, we recommend trying to break the thumb or finger sucking habit if it goes past the age of 5. Teeth that come in during the first few years of life are impressionable. They can misalign as your baby sucks their thumb and cause an overbite. To help your kid quit the habit of sucking their thumb, use positive reinforcement.
There are other tactics we can use to help your kids stop sucking their fingers. Next time you bring your child in for their cleaning, we will be happy to discuss the options.