Baby Bottle Caries

You should know that the signs and appearance of teeth displaying bottle caries include brown teeth with fragmented edges and upper front teeth that break easily

Children who have erupted teeth or are past the age to be weaned are highly susceptible to rotted front teeth when being put to bed with a bottle containing milk, juice or other sugar-containing liquids. There is decreased salivary flow during sleep and clearance of the liquid from the teeth is slowed. Call us at (630) 226-1100 for more details.

The liquid pools around the upper front baby teeth and creates an excellent environment to promote the growth of decay-causing bacteria. Removing the bottle before the first tooth appears and wiping the child’s gums and teeth with a soft cloth before being put to bed can help prevent decay.

At 18 months of age, parents should bring their child into Radiant Dental for an examination and recommended home care.

Baby Teeth Cleaning

This is a good habit to start early! The teeth must be cleaned as the erupt. Use a damp washcloth or a toothbrush.

If your health care provider agrees, use a tiny dab of fluoride toothpaste. Tooth brushing is definitely a parents job in the preschool years.

Children are usually able to brush their teeth well when they are 8 years old. Be sure to check your child’s teeth regularly for any chalky white or brown spots which could be the beginning of tooth decay.

Infant Teething Advice

Sore gums from teething often occur for a few days at a time between six months to age three.
Babies often get relief from a clean teething ring, cool spoon, cold wet washcloth or toothbrush. Chilled teething rings or rubbing a clean finger on the sore gum area often helps, too.

Infant Dental Problems

Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD), which is preventable. BBTD can result from long periods of exposing baby teeth to liquids that contain sugar including formula, milk, breast milk, and juice.

A baby who has a habit of sleeping with a baby bottle filled with any sugary liquid or a breast in their mouth is at risk of getting BBTD. Frequent snacking on sweet or sticky foods can also cause decay.

The earlier your first dental visit to Radiant Dental, the better chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth can chew food well, speak clearly and share precious smiles. Start your child on a lifetime of good dental habits now!

Tooth Decay Prevention

Taking your baby off of the breast when he/she falls asleep can prevent baby tooth decay. Hold your baby while bottle feeding. Always take a bottle filled with milk or juice away from the sleeping child.

If your child requires a bottle at bedtime, provide a bottle filled with water. Instead of a bottle, try comforting your child with a pacifier or a favorite toy or blanket.

Check with your health care provider to make sure your child is getting the right amount of fluoride. Brush your baby’s teeth with a soft toothbrush daily.

Infant Thumb Sucking

Should I worry about thumb or finger sucking?
Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; most stop by the age of two. Prolonged (beyond age 5 or 6 years) thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. At Radiant Dental we will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb-sucking habit.

Teething

Since the eruption of primary teeth is a normal and natural process, these signs and symptoms are to be expected:

• Increased salivation
• Putting fingers and hands into the mouth
• Restlessness
• Fretful behavior

Children may display other symptoms such as fever and systemic disturbances, such as croup, diarrhea, etc. These are coincidental to eruption and should be treated medically by the pediatrician as necessary.

If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to call our office.

Mouth guards

Why should you wear a mouth guard?
While mouth guards are not mandatory equipment in all sports, their worth is indisputable. Mouth guards cushion blows to the face and neck. A mouth guard should be part of every athlete’s gear, no matter the sport. Even adults or weekend athletes need to protect their smile and preserve their health.

Do: At Radiant Dental we feel that you should wear a mouth guard at all times when playing sports. Wear a mouth guard custom-fitted by a dentist, especially if you wear bridges or braces.

Don’t: Wear removable appliances like retainers when playing sports. There are two types of mouth guards: Custom-made: Designed by a dentist and made on a cast of your teeth. These cause very little interference with speaking or breathing. They provide the best protection and fit over braces and fixed bridges. They also cost more. Ready-made: Purchased at most sporting goods stores. They are the least expensive, the least effective, and least comfortable.