Kids 3 min read
Juice, Sweets and Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: How to Protect Your Child's Teeth
Repeated sugary drinks and bedtime bottles are the main drivers of baby bottle tooth decay. Here is what to change, and what the NHS and MouthHealthy advise.
This guide relates to our kids dentist treatment.
What is baby bottle tooth decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay, also called early childhood caries, is decay that happens when a baby's teeth are exposed to sugary liquids for long periods. MouthHealthy says it is most common in the upper front teeth. It is preventable, and most cases come from habits that can be changed.
A children's dentist in Multan can check for early decay and show you how to protect your child's teeth. Early decay can be treated with a filling if it is caught in time.
Which habits raise the risk?
Bedtime bottles, and using a bottle to soothe a fussy baby, raise the risk. MouthHealthy warns that decay often happens when a baby is put to bed with a bottle, even one containing formula, milk or fruit juice.
| Habit | Safer choice |
|---|---|
| A bottle at bedtime | Feed before bed, then clean the gums and teeth |
| Fruit juice in a bottle | Water or plain milk, with juice only at mealtimes if at all |
| Dipping a pacifier in sugar, honey or juice | Give a clean pacifier |
| Sharing spoons or cleaning a pacifier with your mouth | Use separate utensils and clean the pacifier with water |
What drinks are safest?
Water and plain milk are the best drinks for young children, according to the NHS. The NHS advises that babies under 12 months do not need fruit juice or smoothies. For older children, dilute any juice and give it only at mealtimes, because the acid in juice also harms teeth.
Breast milk and formula both contain sugar, so breastfed babies can still get cavities. Wiping the gums after feeds and keeping the feeding routine regular helps.
How do you protect your child's teeth day to day?
Wipe the gums after feeds, start using a fluoride toothpaste as your dentist advises once teeth appear, and build up to brushing twice a day as your child grows. Keep sweet foods and drinks to mealtimes, and make sure your child gets fluoride through toothpaste and dental care.
Decay can be severe, and in some cases a tooth cannot be saved. Regular check-ups catch decay early, which keeps treatment simple.
When to see a dentist in Multan
Book a check-up if you see dark spots, white chalky patches, or if your child complains of pain when eating. We are open Sunday to Thursday and on Saturday, from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and we are closed on Fridays. Message us on WhatsApp about your child's teeth and we will check the teeth with you.
What a check-up can find early
A check-up can find early decay before it causes pain, which is when treatment is simplest. We look at the upper front teeth first, because that is where baby bottle decay is most common, according to MouthHealthy.
We also check how your child's teeth are coming through, and we give you advice on feeding, cleaning and sweet drinks for your child's age.
This article is general information. Please see a dentist for advice about your own teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Can breastfed babies get tooth decay?
Yes. Breast milk contains sugar, so breastfed babies can still get cavities. Wipe the gums after feeds and keep the routine regular.
Is fruit juice ever okay for babies?
The NHS advises that babies under 12 months do not need fruit juice or smoothies. For older children, dilute it and give it only at mealtimes.
Can a bedtime bottle cause decay?
Yes. MouthHealthy says decay often happens when a baby goes to bed with a bottle, even one with milk, formula or juice.
Does a tooth with decay always need to come out?
Not always. Early decay can be treated with a filling. Severe decay sometimes means a tooth cannot be saved, and we will explain the options.
My child has a sweet tooth. What can I do?
Keep sweet foods and drinks to mealtimes, offer water between meals, and avoid sweets as rewards. Regular check-ups let us watch the teeth as your child grows.
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Have a question about your own teeth?
Book on WhatsApp, and our team will reply with the next steps.