We all know that a mother’s job is never done. But, perhaps Bright Side Dental can assist a bit with answers to some commonly asked questions about childhood dentistry. As a top Michigan family dentist, Bright Side Dental, children are an important part of this dentist office. Most of the dentists have their own kids and strive to treat all their young patients as they would want their own children to be taken care of.
A most common concern of parents is "baby-bottle" tooth decay. This most often affects the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected. The decay occurs when sweetened liquids are given in a bottle and are then left clinging to an infant's teeth for long periods of time.
The bacteria in the mouth use these liquid sugars as food. This can produce an acidic reaction that attacks the teeth. Therefore, every time a child drinks these sweet drinks, acids will attack the tooth for twenty minutes or longer. After so many attacks, the teeth will begin to decay.
Most often this occurs when babies go to sleep with a bottle of formula, milk or juice - during a nap or overnight. It can make them more susceptible to tooth decay, especially on the front teeth, because the sugar in formula, milk or juice stays in contact with the teeth for a longer time during the sleep, and so the decay can set in quickly.
Many parents do not consider that a baby's teeth are vulnerable to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. It may be too late to save the teeth by the time decay is noticed. But, there are some effective tips that can help to avoid baby-bottle tooth decay: If a child must be put to bed with a bottle, it should be filled with plain water, not milk or juice. Once that the child has fallen asleep, nursing should be stopped or the bottle removed. Avoid letting the child walk around using a bottle of juice or milk as a pacifier.
If a child appears to need to be comforted in between regular feedings, at while sleeping at night or during naps, it is perfectly acceptable to give the child a clean pacifier. Never dip the child's pacifier in sugar or honey. At about six months, a parent can begin to teach the child to drink from a cup. A youngster should stop using a bottle by 12 to 14 months of age. Of course, never fill the child's bottle with liquids such as sodas or sugar water.
When the teeth begin to erupt through the gums, it’s painful and of course can make babies cross. The gums may begin to swell where the tooth is coming in. Ease the pain by rubbing the baby’s gums gently with the finger, letting the child chew on a teething ring or using a pacifier. They seem to get more relief if they are cooled.
Sometime after six months of age, once the child has teeth or at any indication of possible decay, the child should be brought in to see the dentist. Bright Side Dental, a Michigan family dental specialist will not only check the child’s teeth but also teach proper care of a baby’s unerrupted teeth and gums. With locations in Canton, Sterling Heights and Livonia, they care for the entire family.
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Bright Side Dental, a Michigan family dental specialist will not only check the child’s teeth but also teach proper care of a baby’s unerrupted teeth and gums. With locations in Canton, Sterling Heights and Livonia, they care for the entire family.
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