Soothing a fussy, or tired baby by popping a bottle in their mouth, letting them drink theirself into slumber is not unheard of.
But did you know frequent, prolonged exposure of a baby’s teeth to sugary beverages can lead to tooth decay at an early age?
Dr. Jeannie Beauchamp, a pediatric dentist and owner of Clarksville Pediatric Dentistry, wants parents to know the importance of early dental intervention and keeping a baby’s developing teeth healthy.
A common cause of tooth decay in babies and toddlers is called early childhood caries or bottle tooth decay. This occurs from consistently putting a baby to bed with a bottle in their mouth, or using a bottle as a pacifier when babies are fussy, according to the American Dental Association.
Dr. Beauchamp offers treatment for bottle, or nursing, tooth decay and the condition often affects the upper front teeth, but can spread to several other teeth.
Signs of Bottle Tooth Decay
One of the early signs of bottle tooth decay is white spots on the teeth indicative of damaged enamel. Early intervention of fluoride treatments may be successful.
If the tooth decay is advanced, symptoms may include:
- Brown or black spots on the teeth
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Fever, irritability, and swelling that may indicate infection
- Bad breath
A young child with any of these symptoms needs immediate dental intervention. Decay that is left untreated can spread and lead to extensive restoration treatments and even tooth loss.
Many parents may believe the common misconception that baby teeth aren’t a big deal since they will fall out and permanent adult teeth will grow in.
Yet, there are many reasons to be concerned about premature decay and loss of baby teeth.
“While your baby’s teeth are temporary, they are still very important because those permanent adult teeth are present in the jawbone early on,” Dr. Beauchamp said. “The baby teeth are somewhat of a foundation for the way those adult teeth mature and grow in. If those baby teeth are lost prematurely due to decay, it can affect the permanent teeth and lead to other issues that may require extensive orthodontic treatment as they get older.”
Beauchamp said early intervention and prevention are keys to keeping little smiles healthy.
“Children need strong, healthy teeth and it is part of their overall wellness as they learn to eat, speak, and chew,” she said. “It’s so important that parents ensure their infants have good oral care as soon as their first tooth appears.”
Treatment options
Treatment for bottle tooth decay varies depending on the level of severity but can include fillings, crowns, caps, and even tooth extraction if there’s severe decay or infection.
“If you are noticing signs of bottle tooth decay, come see us right away,” Dr. Beauchamp said. “We can work together to determine the best treatment options and get your baby’s smile on track for healthy growth and development.”
Clarksville Pediatric Dentistry is committed to discussing all options before any treatment or procedures and answering all questions you may have. Always working for the goal of a healthy smile is their first priority.
To schedule an appointment with Clarksville Pediatric Dentistry visits their website. or call their 2297 Rudolphtown Rd., location at 931-245-3333 or their, 2485 Ft. Campbell Blvd., Suite 102, location at 931-245-6060.
Check out their Facebook page for up-to-date information and inquiries about their services.
